We saw by the faint light that it was day, but could not guess at the hour; so Jack proposed that he should dive out and reconnoitre.
"No, Jack," said I, "do you rest here.

You've had enough to do during the last few days.

Rest yourself now, and take care of Peterkin, while I go out to see what the pirates are about.

I'll be very careful not to expose myself, and I'll bring you word again in a short time." "Very well, Ralph," answered Jack, "please yourself, but don't be long; and if you'll take my advice you'll go in your clothes, for I would like to have some fresh cocoa nuts, and climbing trees without clothes is uncomfortable, to say the least of it." "The pirates will be sure to keep a sharp lookout," said Peterkin, "so, pray, be careful." "No fear," said I; "good-bye." "Good-bye," answered my comrades.
And while the words were yet sounding in my ears, I plunged into the water, and in a few seconds found myself in the open air.

On rising, I was careful to come up gently and to breathe softly, while I kept close in beside the rocks; but, as I observed no one near me, I crept slowly out, and ascended the cliff a step at a time, till I obtained a full view of the shore.