Houses appeared, and trees, and green oases of cultivation, but these were mere spots of color amid the arid blackness of a land of bleak rock and stone-strewed hills.
There was a strong current setting from the southeast, and the dying gale left its aftermath in a long swell, but the _Andromeda_ rolled on with ever-increasing comfort.

Even Iris was tempted forth by the continued sunshine.
Coke was not on the bridge at the moment.

Mr.Watts was taking the watch; Hozier was on deck forrard, looking for gravel and shells on the instrument that picks up these valuable indications from the floor of the sea.

Suddenly the captain appeared.

He greeted Iris with a genial nod.
"Ah, there you are," he cried.