But while some were terrified, the curiosity of others was aroused, mine included.

The phenomenon was worth investigation, even if the simple fisher-folk had exaggerated.
Back Cup, which, as already stated, lies at the western extremity of the archipelago, is connected therewith by a chain of small islets and reefs, which cannot be approached from the east.

Being only three hundred feet in altitude, it cannot be seen either from St.George or Hamilton.

I joined a party of explorers and we embarked in a cutter that landed us on the island, and made our way to the abandoned village of the Bermudan fishers.
The internal crackings and detonations could be plainly heard, and a sheaf of smoke was swayed by the wind at the summit.
Beyond a peradventure the ancient volcano had been started again by the subterranean fire, and an eruption at any moment was to be apprehended.
In vain we attempted to climb to the mouth of the crater.

The mountain sheered down at an angle of from seventy-five to eighty degrees, and its smooth, slippery sides afforded absolutely no foothold.