Expert hands had tapped the secret reservoir of the island.
By stretching to the full extent of his arm, he managed to plunge the stick into the water.

Tasting the drops, he found that they were quite sweet.

The sand and porous rock provided the best of filter-beds.
He rose, wall pleased, and noted that on the opposite side the appearance of the shrubs and tufts of long grass indicated the existence of a grown-over path towards the cliff.

He followed it, walking carelessly, with eyes seeking the prospect beyond, when something rattled and cracked beneath his feet.

Looking down, he was horrified to find he was trampling on a skeleton.
Had a venomous snake coiled its glistening folds around his leg he would not have been more startled.