shore, in whose sides were curious shelves, along which it was possible to walk for a great distance, with the sea thundering on the rocks beneath.  At any other time they would have taken an intense enjoyment in a place like this, where there were so many varied scenes; but now their sense of enjoyment was blunted, for they carried in their minds a perpetual anxiety.  None the less, however, did they wander about, penetrating up the valley, exploring the caverns, and traversing the cliffs.

They did not return to the schooner till dusk.  It would not be high tide till midnight, and so they prolonged their excursion purposely, so as to use up the time.  On reaching the schooner they were welcomed by Captain Corbet.

“I declar, boys,” said he, “I’m getting to be a leetle the biggest old fool that ever lived.  It’s all this accident.  It’s onmanned me.  I had a nap for two or three hours, but waked at six, an ever sence I’ve been a worretin an a frettin about youns.  Sence that thar accident, I can’t bar to have you out of my sight, for I fear all the time that you ar gettin into mischief.  An now I’ve been skeart for two mortal hours, a fancyin you all tumblin down from the cliffs, or a strugglin in the waters.”

“O, we can take care of ourselves, captain,” said Bart

“No, you can’t—­not you.  I wouldn’t trust one of you.  I’m getting to be a feeble creetur too,—­so don’t go away agin.”

“Well, I don’t think we’ll have a chance in Quaco.  Arn’t we going to leave to-night?”

“Wal, that thar is jest the pint that I’ve been moosin on.  You see it’s thick; the fog’s as bad as ever.  What’s the use of going out to-night?  Now, ef we wait till to-morrow, it may be clear, an then we can decide what to do.”

At this proposal, the boys were silent for a time.  The experience which they had formed of the bay and its fogs showed them how useless would be any search by night, and the prospect of a clear day, and, possibly, a more favorable wind on the morrow, was very attractive.  The question was debated by all, and considered in all its bearings, and the discussion went on until late, when it was finally decided that it would be, on the whole, the wisest course to wait until the following day.  Not the least influential of the many considerations that occurred was their regard for Captain Corbet.  They saw that he was utterly worn out for want of sleep, and perceived how much he needed one night’s rest.  This finally decided them.

Early on the following morning they were all up, and eager to see if there was any change in the weather.  The first glance around elicited a cry of admiration from all of them.  Above, all was clear and bright.  The sun was shining with dazzling lustre; the sky was of a deep blue, and without a cloud on its whole expanse; while the wide extent of the bay spread out before them, blue like the sky above, which it mirrored, and throwing up its waves to catch the sunlight.  A fresh north wind was blowing, and all the air and all the sea was full of light and joy.