CHAPTER XXXII.
THE LAST.
Descending to the boat they rowed round to the face of the great cliff which had been so suddenly laid bare when the Peak of Rakata was cleft from its summit to its foundations in the sea. It was a wonderful sight—a magnificent section, affording a marvellous view of the internal mechanism of a volcano.
But there was no time to spend in contemplation of this extraordinary sight, for evening approached and the hermit's purpose had to be accomplished.
High up near the top of the mighty cliff could be seen a small hole in the rock, which was all that remained of the observatory.
"It will be impossible, I fear, to reach that spot," said Nigel; "there does not appear to be foothold for a goat."
"I will reach it," said the hermit in a low voice, as he scanned the precipice carefully.
"So will I," said the negro.
"No, Moses, I go alone. You will remain in the boat and watch. If I fall, you can pick me up."