It was agreed that shelter might be found near the smaller island, and so the _Fox_ was headed that way. The run was made slowly, and the launch crept up to the island much as a mouse might creep up to smell a sleeping lion. Close under the shore the swell was broken, and the light launch rested gently on the water. “There is a cove,” said Hodge. “Can we get in there?” “It’s narrow,” came doubtfully from Dustan, who was still at the wheel. “We may strike a sunken rock if we try to get in there in the darkness.” “Which way is the tide running?” asked Frank. “It’s coming in.” “Then, if we go forward slowly enough, we’ll soon float off, if we should happen to hang up on a rock. There is no need to break in the bottom of the launch by running on at full speed.” “Will you chance it?” asked Howard. “Yes, I’ll pay all damages.” “Then here goes.” So they slowly crept in through a cleft in the rocks, which soon rose black and ugly on both sides of them. Merriwell lighted the small lantern with which the launch was provided and crept out on the bow with it in his hand, so that the light might show Dustan how to steer. The light shone on the smooth water and against the black sides of the rocks which rose to the right and left. The motion of the screw set the waves lapping up against the rocks with a swishing sound. “We are all right in here,” said Dustan, “unless the water is so shallow that we’ll be aground at low tide. We’ll have to make a sounding.” The lead and line was taken out, and Diamond sounded. He found there was enough water so the yacht could not touch bottom at low tide. Indeed, all were astonished by the depth of the water. The launch lay close up against the rocks, and there it was found there was sufficient water. “We can moor her here,” said Frank. “All that is needed is some bumpers to keep her from rubbing against the rocks, and we may be able to find them on shore. There are two points of rock to which she can be made fast.” In a very few moments the launch was moored against the rocky wall, and then Frank prepared to go ashore. “Come, Hodge,” he said, “let’s see if we can find some timbers that will serve as bumpers.” “I am with you,” said Bart. “Take the lantern,” advised Dustan. “It may aid you in your search.” So, linking the lantern chain over his arm, Frank started to climb up the face of the black rocks. The lantern swayed and gave out a changing, uncertain light, but it was better than no light. Hodge followed Merry, but he took plenty of time to find the clefts in the rock and fasten his fingers there so that his hold was secure. Reaching the top, Frank turned and gave Bart a hand, aiding him up. Then they leaned out, Frank holding the lantern at arm’s length, and looked down on the boat. Dustan and Diamond were looking up at them, the light of the lantern showing their upturned faces.