It was a volcano, which for years had not burned, but was breaking out afresh on one of the Esmedura Islands.
Brand thought it was a ship on fire.
"We'd better veer round, then," remarked the officer of the watch.
"Oh, no!" Brand exclaimed, involuntarily.
The vision of Manton's dead body, which might be discovered floating upon the water, rose before his mind.
The second officer informed the captain about the light, when, using his night-glass, the skipper soon ascertained and explained the cause of the fire.
Brand breathed a sigh of relief.
When morning came, Manton was missed at breakfast. Having always found him punctual, the captain was alarmed. He went to the room and opened the door when no answer was returned to his summons, to find the old man missing.
Search was made—of course in vain—Brand apparently the most zealous of all in his efforts to find the missing one.