Near the beach the water was seen breaking into thousands of bubbles, while further beyond it was dashed to a foam.
Meanwhile the noises of shock following shock were become terrific.
A whole pack of artillery seemed to burst and boom, volley upon volley, beneath the quaking soil!
Suddenly there was a shock as of many thunderbolts, from the direction of the mountain, which was now seen split, apparently from top to bottom, into a great chasm, from which in great quantities burst forth streams of lava and long forked tongues of lurid flame.
The island was now as light as day. Far and near objects could be plainly distinguished, while overhead showers of flying sparks almost obscured the sky!
In the red glare, the forms of savages were now seen making all haste to descend the tottering cliff!
Appalled by the impending fate of the island, all the natives who had been left below, were seen at a distance beckoning to their companions to make haste.
The white people now were nearer the canoe than the savages themselves.
"Come!" screamed the guide, as he made towards the light vessel. "Come!"