"Come on, kid, you're not afraid?" asked his Leader encouragingly, as he patted the Tenderfoot on the back.
"No, I'm not afraid," replied Scott. "But I wish that horrid noise would stop. There it goes again."
"Pick your man, Simpson," said Atherton, in a low voice. "I've spoken to Mayne and he's game. Phillips will remain in charge of our tent, and I suppose you will let Neale know that he will be responsible for order in the 'Wolves'' tent."
"Think it's any use?" asked the "Wolves'" Leader. "It's raining and blowing great guns, and a boat could hardly get across. We may be isolated here for days."
"Won't matter so long as the grub holds out," replied Atherton, cheerfully. "We'll stick to our plan. With greatcoats on we shall be all right."
As soon as the other occupants of the two tents were asleep, the two Leaders, with Mayne and Coventry major, donned their heavy coats and made their way down to the landing-place. It was hard work to prevent themselves being forced down the steep path at a break-neck pace, for the force of the wind behind them was terrific, but lower down the overhanging rocks afforded excellent protection.
"Got your flash lamp?" asked Simpson.
"I should jolly well think I have," answered Atherton. "Have you?"
"Yes; but, I say, will the tents stand it? It is blowing up there."
"They would have been down before this, I fancy," remarked Atherton. "There's that rummy noise again. What on earth can it be?"