One day, having gone over with my younger sons to weed the garden, and survey our possessions, I perceived that the roof of the gallery wanted a little repair, and called Jack to raise for me the rope ladder which I had brought from Falcon's Nest, and which had been very useful while we were constructing the roof; but we sought for it everywhere; it could not be found; and as we were quite free from _robbers_ in our island, I could only accuse my elder sons, who had doubtless carried it off to ascend some tall cocoa-nut tree.

Obliged to be content, we walked into the garden by the foot of the rocks.

Since our arrival, I had been somewhat uneasy at hearing a dull, continued noise, which appeared to proceed from this side.

The forge we had passed, now extinguished, and our workmen were absent.

Passing along, close to the rocks, the noise became more distinct, and I was truly alarmed.