They soon were on the south side of the island, and pulling up along the shore.

“How far do you think that it is by water, Ready?”

“I hardly know; but at least four or five miles, so we must make up our minds to a good hour’s pull. At all events, we shall sail back again with this wind, although there is but little of it.”

“We are in very deep water now,” observed William, after a long silence.

“Yes, on this side of the island we must expect it; the coral grows to leeward only. I think that we cannot be very far from the little harbour we discovered. Suppose we leave off rowing for a minute, and look about us.”

“There are two rocks close to the shore, Ready,” said William, pointing, “and you recollect there were two or three rocks outside of the harbour.”

“Very true, William, and I should not wonder if you have hit upon the very spot. Let us pull in.”

They did so; and, to their satisfaction, found that they were in the harbour, where the water was as smooth as a pond.

“Now, then, William, we will step the mast, and sail back at our leisure.”

“Stop one moment, Ready; give me the boat-hook. I see something between the clefts of the rocks.”