She became conscious at once that his thumb-nail was of extraordinary length, and--so strangely constituted is human nature--this peculiarity made a lasting impression on her mind.
Hozier, thinking that he ought to remain near the catamaran, stood upright, but did not offer to follow the others.

Iris, filled with a sudden fear, hung back.

The Brazilian, aware of her resistance, sought its cause.

He saw Hozier, grinned, and beckoned to him.

So the three went in company, and at each upward stride the disagreeable stench, ever afterwards associated with Fernando Noronha in the girl's memories, became less and less perceptible, until, after a short walk through a clump of banana trees, it vanished altogether.
At that instant, when Iris was beginning to revel in the sweet incense of a multitude of unseen flowers, Marcel halted, motioned to Hozier to stand fast, and indicated that Iris was to come with him.