26/29 They hurried back, but found by this time the tide had left the cutter high and dry on the sand. She assented to remain near the boat while he was engaged in this expedition. The ascent was too rugged and steep for her powers, and the sea-shore and adjacent groves would find her ample amusement during his absence. She accompanied him to the bank of the smaller lagoon, which he forded, and waving an adieu to her he plunged into the dense wood with which the sides of the mountain were clothed. The mountain-top was about three-quarters of a mile from where she stood, but seemed much nearer. |