But mid-day with its burning sun had come, and the intense heat compelled them to stop and rest beneath a clump of trees, which struck them both as being more dwarfed in appearance, though their growth was luxuriant and beautiful. The forest, too, had become more open, there were glades here and there, and it was possible, if they had been so disposed, to have left the stony road and threaded their way among the bushes. "Why, if we are forced to keep on like this much longer, Ned, we shall reach the crater." "Well, why not do it, sir? Once up there we can look all over the island, and choose our way down straight to the yacht." "I should like to do it now we are so high," said Jack; "but we must only think of getting back." "And getting our suppers, sir," whispered Ned, as he pointed toward a rocky ridge high up above the lava-stream to the left, where seen against the sky-line, as they browsed on the herbage among the rocks, there was a group of about half-a-dozen goats, two of which were evidently kids, while one was a patriarch with enormous curved horns. "Now, Mr Jack," whispered Ned; "we had some practice with our bows and arrows yesterday; this time we must do it at any cost." "Yes, Ned," whispered back the lad excitedly. "It may mean the strength to escape." The next minute, bow and arrow in one hand, spear in the other, they were carefully stalking the herd by creeping upward among the trees and blocks of tumbled-together volcanic stone, which gave them the opportunity of climbing up within easy shot unseen. CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE. IN SPITE OF ALL. They were too close to the goats to venture upon much whispering, and the decision was soon arrived at that they were to divide, and each make the best of his way up the ridge till there was an opportunity for a close easy shot; then without waiting that shot was to be sent whizzing from the bow, the probability being that as there was no report, the goats would not be much alarmed, and another chance might be afforded. "Think we must have one this time, Mr Jack," whispered Ned, and they started from behind the great block which now sheltered them, each taking his own side. From that moment Jack had no eyes for his companion, his attention was centred upon the great father of the herd, to the left of which the two half-grown kids were browsing upon the tender young shoots of the bush-like growth.