The island ceased trembling, and the roaring stopped. Tom rose to his feet, followed by his companions. He looked toward the place where the cliff had been. Its removal by the earthquake gave them a view of a part of the beach that had hitherto been hidden from them.
And what Tom saw caused him to cry out in astonishment. For he beheld, gathered around a little fire on the sand, a party of men and women. Some were standing, clinging to one another in terror. Some were prostrate on the ground. Others were running to and fro in bewilderment.
"More castaways!" cried Tom. "More castaways," and, he added under his breath, "more unfortunates on earthquake island!"
Chapter XVI An Alarming Theory
For a few seconds, following Tom's announcement to his two companions, neither Mr. Damon nor Mr. Fenwick spoke. They had arisen from the beach, where the shock of the earthquake had thrown them, and were now staring toward the other band of castaways, who, in turn were gazing toward our three friends. There was a violent agitation in the sea, caused by the fall of the great cliff, and immense waves rushed up on shore, but all the islanders were beyond the reach of the rollers.
"Is it--do I really--am I dreaming or not?" at length gasped Mr. Damon.
"Is this a mirage, or do we really see people, Tom?" inquired Mr. Fenwick.
"They are real enough people," replied the lad, himself somewhat dazed by the unexpected appearance of the other castaways.
"But how--why--how did they get here?" went on the inventor of the Whizzer.