The house, being greatly exposed to the easterly and northerly winds which beat full upon the cape, had suffered a good deal from the recent storms. Its roof required some immediate repairs, for the gales had dismantled it in more than one place. But now, in good summer weather, it was quite habitable, and the party were able to instal themselves there for a few days.
In the poultry-yard, too, where the cocks and hens were clucking and running about, there was damage due to the bad weather to be attended to; and the mouth of the little stream of fresh water which rose near the top of the hill had to be cleared and opened.
In the plantations, and more especially the plantations of caper bushes and tea plants, the chief work was that of straightening the plants that had been beaten down by the force of the winds but were still rooted in the ground.
During their stay here the visitors took several walks to the end of False Hope Point. From this spot one could see over a vast extent of sea towards the east, and over part of Nautilus Bay to the west. How often in all these years had the shipwrecked people watched in vain for the sight of a ship beyond this cape!
When M. Zermatt and his two companions went there now, Jack was moved to say:
"It was twelve years ago, when we had given up all hope of ever finding any of our companions on the Landlord, that we gave this cape its fitting name of False Hope Point. If the Unicorn should come into sight over there to-day, would it not be fitting to change the name to Cape Welcome?"
"Very fitting, my dear boy," Mr. Wolston answered, "but it is not at all likely to happen. The Unicorn is still in mid-Atlantic, and it must be nearly two months before she can reach these waters of New Switzerland."
"One can never tell, Mr. Wolston," Jack replied. "But, failing the Unicorn, why should not some other ship come first to investigate, and then to take possession of the island? Of course, her captain would have good reason to call it False Hope Island, since it has been taken possession of already!"
But no ship did appear, and it was unnecessary to alter the name originally given to the cape.