Through this they walked, and before they emerged were delighted at the sight of the great ocean beyond. "I wonder if John knows we are so near?"
They ran to the beach, delighted to have an opportunity for a bath, but were surprised to see many along the shore with small bags.
"They are searching for something," remarked Harry. "I wonder what it can be?"
"Possibly clams. Don't you remember the first[p. 71] week when we lived on clams, after we reached Wonder Island? What delightful days we had; and how afraid we were of every noise, and used to start up at every new sound."
"And wasn't it a joy to make the new things, and see every day bring new wonders to us after we moved to the Cataract?"
"I have a love for that old home. We were so happy there. I know I am not happier now when we own all the treasures of the caves, than when we were building the water wheel, and the little shop, and tending the yaks," answered George, as he gazed across the sea, and thought of the glorious times and of their wonderful adventures.
When they saw the streams of people coming from the shore they recalled that the people were preparing for the feast. It was remarkable that clams were an article of food with these people when those on the island they had just left, despised all fish and sea food.
They wandered along the beach, fully a mile south of the village, and quite out of reach of the people, and were soon in the mild surf. After a half hour of this enjoyment they dressed, and ascended a slight elevation from which could be seen the character of the land along the sea.
To the north and south of their position the land was much higher, the northern portion having the appearance of very high hills, if not mountains.
"Do you think John was thinking about the caves when the guards brought in the Korinos?" remarked George, as they were descending the ridge.