CHAPTER THIRTY THREE.
STRIKING OUT.
Inspired to renewed energy, Captain Redwood rushed to the edge of the lagoon, with the view of ascertaining its depth, and seeing whether it might possibly be waded.
He soon discovered that it could not.

In less than ten paces from the edge he was up to the arm-pits, and from thence it seemed to deepen still more abruptly.

Another step forward, and the water rose over his shoulders, the bottom still sloping downwards.

The lagoon was evidently impassable.
He drew back despairingly, though not to return to the shore.

He stood facing the centre of the lagoon, whence still came the strange noises: though scarce so loud or varied as before, they did not appear to be any more distant.