“Plenty more wind coming,” declared Jim. “If that is so, I’m glad I’m not out in the open sea in a twenty-five-foot boat,” observed Tempest. “A lagoon like ours is a blessing under such circumstances. Dave, I have a fancy for a stroll on the shore to-night. Coming? It will be the last time we shall tread on Tai-o-Vai.” They all three dropped into the dory and paddled to the beach. There was no rain, and the great camel’s back sheltered them from the wind. They had not landed five minutes, however, before the gale switched round with startling suddenness, and a fierce blast, coming straight in from over the lagoon, nearly knocked them off their feet and enveloped them in a whirl of fiercely driven sand. “Gosh!” Tempest shouted, endeavoring to wipe some of the grit out of his eyes. “Now who’d have expected that? It’s a regular typhoon. Looks to me as though we were going to have some difficulty in getting back to the _Nautilus_.” “Plenty more wind bimeby,” said Jim, impassively. “If it gets much worse, it’ll blow the blooming island away,” complained Tempest. “Ouch! Here comes another dose of sand!” This time the storm burst on them with all its force, and they staggered in the overwhelming cloud of fine sand which beat savagely on their backs, filled their hair, ears, mouths and clothing, and left them temporarily blinded, although instinctively they covered their eyes with their hands. Dave stumbled and fell, but Tempest dragged him to his feet again. Grasping the boy’s shoulder, and keeping his own back to the force of the blast as much as possible, he forced his way in the direction of the trees. It was like moving in a nightmare, for he could only guess vaguely in which direction that shelter lay. He called hoarsely to Jim, but his voice was swallowed up in the roar of the gale. Sometimes falling, himself, and regaining his feet with difficulty, he pushed grimly on. It seemed a long while before he felt the low bushes on the outskirts of the wood brushing against his legs. They gave him renewed hope. Unable to see a thing, he forced his way under the trees, dragging Dave, and at length, having struggled a little way into the timber, sank down panting, and choking with sand. They lay there well over an hour before the force of the storm decreased, and then, having recovered somewhat, began to shout for Jim. Presently they heard an answering call, and the Kanaka came toward them through the trees. As soon as he had lost sight of the others he, too, had sought shelter. “For goodness’ sake, don’t say it’s going to blow harder soon, Jim,” said Tempest. “Pretty near finished,” replied the Kanaka. “Fine again quick.”