CHAPTER TWENTY ONE.
THE MYSTERY UNROLLS.
Four more days passed before the weather broke, and then two more when they were not at liberty.

But at last came one when their tutor announced that they could have the whole day to themselves, and it was not long before each announced at home that he was off out for a good long cliff ramble.
This meant taking a supply of provisions, with which each was soon furnished, so as not to break into the holiday by having to come back to dinner.
No questions were asked, for it was taken for granted, both at the Mount and at the Doctor's cottage, that they would be going fishing or collecting; and the boys set off in high glee, meaning to supplement their dinner with freshly cooked fish, and plenty of excitement by climbing about the rocks at the entrance of the caves.
Everything seemed gloriously fresh and bright after the late rains: the birds were circling overhead, and the sea was of a wonderfully vivid blue.

In fact, so bright was the day that Vince said,-- "I say, isn't it a shame to go and bury ourselves underground ?" "Not a bit of it," cried Mike; "it's glorious! Why, it's a regular treat, after being away so long.

Have you enough wood for cooking ?" "Plenty." "And what about water ?" "We took a big bottle full last time." "That's right.

I say, keep your eyes open.