"If we were Robinson Crusoes, destined to live a long time on this shore, we should not forget to give your name to that grotto!" The grotto was only from ten to twelve feet long, and as many wide; but, in little Jack's eyes, it was an enormous cavern.

At all events, it must suffice to contain the shipwrecked ones; and, as Mrs.Weldon and Nan noted with satisfaction, it was very dry.

The moon being then in her first quarter, they need not fear that those neap-tides would reach the foot of the cliff, and the grotto in consequence.

Then, nothing more was needed for a few hours' rest.
Ten minutes after everybody was stretched out on a carpet of sea-weed.
Negoro himself thought he must rejoin the little troop and take his part of the repast, which was going to be made in common.

Doubtless he had not judged it proper to venture alone under the thick forest, through which the winding river made its way.
It was one o'clock in the afternoon.