Before starting they cut three stiff slender rods twelve feet in length.

They then set to work to make the descent.

It was by no means difficult, and in a few minutes they stood by the edge of the water.
"It is a great advantage, the path being so easy," Francis said, "for in case they did discover the ship we could land and climb to the top before they had time to come to shore, and once there we could keep the whole force in those galleys at bay.

Now for the main point, the depth of the water." Matteo shook his head.
"It is useless to take the trouble to undress, Francis," he said, as the latter threw off his jacket.

"Giuseppi can wade out to the rocks without wetting his knees." "Giuseppi can try if he likes," Francis said, "but I will wager he will not get far." Giuseppi, as convinced as Matteo of the shallowness of the water, stepped into it, but was surprised to find that, before he had gone many paces, the water was up to his waist.
"Well, I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it," Matteo said when he returned, "but I think he must have got into a deep hole among the rocks.