We therefore put out our torch and lay down to sleep.
On awaking, it was some time ere we could collect our faculties so as
to remember where we were, and we were in much uncertainty as to
whether it was early or late. We saw by the faint light that it was
day, but could not guess at the hour; so Jack proposed that he should
dive out and reconnoitre.
"No, Jack," said I; "do you rest here. You've had enough to do during
the last few days. Rest yourself now, and take care of Peterkin, while
I go out to see what the pirates are about. I'll be very careful not to
expose myself, and I'll bring you word again in a short time."
"Very well, Ralph," answered Jack, "please yourself, but don't be long;
and if you'll take my advice you'll go in your clothes, for I would
like to have some fresh cocoa-nuts, and climbing trees without clothes
is uncomfortable, to say the least of it."
"The pirates will be sure to keep a sharp look-out," said Peterkin,
"so, pray, be careful."
"No fear," said I; "good-bye."
"Good-bye," answered my comrades.
And while the words were yet sounding in my ears, I plunged into the
water, and in a few seconds found myself in the open air. On rising, I
was careful to come up gently and to breathe softly, while I kept close
in beside the rocks; but as I observed no one near me, I crept slowly
out, and ascended the cliff a step at a time, till I obtained a full
view of the shore.
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