John's first impulse was to shoot it; but, on a second thought, he decided to reserve his fire for some larger and more useful game.

At last the summit of the nearest hill was gained, and from it they had a survey of the country and discovered that they were on an island.

Stevens' heart sank within him at the discovery, for now no human help was within their reach.

The fear of Spaniards and savages gave place to the greater dread of passing their lives on a desolate island.
The island was about sixteen miles long by ten wide.

It had four lofty mountains in the centre, one of which was so high as to be above the clouds and covered at the peak with snow.