While he was thus occupied Nux sat up and watched him, yawning. They spoke together in low tones, using the expressive Sulu language, and had soon acquainted each other with the events that had occurred since they separated. Their murmured words aroused me to a realization of the present, and having partially collected my thoughts I began to rub my eyes and look wonderingly around me.
The top of the rock was no longer flat, but inclined toward the sea. The three tall trees also inclined that way, instead of growing upright, and the neighboring cliff of the mainland seemed further removed from us than before. Something appeared to be missing in the landscape, and then I suddenly remembered how the rocking-stone had leaped into the gulf during the storm.
“All safe?” I asked, looking at my black friends gratefully.
“All safe,” answered Bry, smiling.
“It was a dreadful night,” I continued, with a shudder. “Have you heard anything from the robbers yet?”
“No, Mars Sam.”
“They’re probably sleeping late. Anyhow, they can’t have gone away on the raft yet.”
Bry shook his head.
“All very wicked mans, Mars Sam,” he said. “Even in big storm, while we climb up to cave, Mars Daggett tell me to go behind Pete an’ push him off rock.”
“The villain!” I exclaimed, indignantly.