As they went on, the land began to rise, and grew very rocky.
At length an elevation was reached from which a view of the whole island could be had.
It was seen to be completely barren and unproductive.
There was no natural fruit of any kind—not even a berry or a plum.
It was a desolate waste.
Truly, to be forced to confront the fact that they must live the rest of their lives upon this limited bit of barrenness was hard indeed.
“It makes a man feel blue,” said Stanhope. “I almost wish I had stayed at home.”
“By my honor! I wish I had!” agreed Captain Uriah. “Poverty at home is better than riches here.”
“But we are here,” said Frank Reade, Jr., pluckily, “And we must make the best of it.”
“Oh, certainly,” agreed Stanhope, readily. “I am not squealing, Frank. I took my chances and now I’ll stand by ’em.”