AFTER toiling up a rugged and steep ascent, encumbered with blocks of gray stone, of which the island seemed to be formed, forcing his way over fallen trees and through the tangled undergrowth of a species of wild vine, which abounded on the mountain-side, Hazel stopped to breathe and peer around as well as the dense foliage permitted.

He was up to his waist in scrub, and the stiff leaves of the bayonet plant rendered caution necessary in walking.

At moments, through the dense foliage, he caught a glisten of the sea.

The sun was in the north behind him, and by this alone he guided his road due southerly and upward.

Once only he found a small cleared space about an acre in extent, and here it was he uttered the cry Helen heard.