Smith and his companions slept like mice in the cavern which the jaguar had so politely vacated, and, by sunrise, all were on the extremity of the promontory, and scrutinizing the horizon visible on either hand. No ship or wreck was to be seen, and not even with the spy-glass could any suspicious object be discerned. It was the same along the shore, at least on all that portion, three miles in length, which formed the south side of the promontory; as, beyond that, a slope of the land concealed the rest of the coast, and even from the extremity of Serpentine Peninsula, Claw Cape was hidden by high rocks. The southern bank of the island remained to be explored. Had they not better attempt this at once, and give up this day to it? This procedure had not entered into their first calculations, as, when the canoe was left at the sources of the Mercy, the colonists thought that, having explored the west coast, they would return by the river; Smith having then believed that this coast sheltered either a wreck or a passing ship. But as soon as this shore disclosed no landing place, it became necessary to search the south side of the island for those whom they had failed to discover on the west. It was Spilett who proposed continuing the exploration so as to settle definitely the question of the supposed shipwreck, and he inquired how far it would be to Claw Cape. “About thirty miles,” answered the engineer, “if we allow for the irregularity of the shore.” “Thirty miles!” exclaimed Spilett, “that would be a long walk. Nevertheless, I think we should return to Granite House by the south coast.” “But,” observed Herbert, “from Claw Cape to Granite House is at least ten miles further.” “Call it forty miles altogether,” answered the reporter, “and do not let us hesitate to do it. At least we will have seen this unknown shore, and will not have it to explore over again.” “That is so,” said Pencroff. “But how about the canoe?” “The canoe can stay where it is for a day or two,” replied Spilett. “We can hardly say that the island is infested with thieves!” ‘ “Nevertheless, when I remember that affair of the turtle, I am not so confident.” “The turtle! the turtle!” cried the reporter, “don’t you know that the sea turned it over?” “Who can say?” murmured the engineer. “But—,” began Neb, who, it was evident, wished to say something. “What is it, Neb?” questioned the engineer. “If we do return by the shore to Claw Cape, after having gone round it, we will be stopped—” “By the Mercy!” cried Herbert. “And we have no bridge or boat!” “Oh!” answered Pencroff, “we can cross it readily enough with some logs.” “Nevertheless,” said Spilett, “it would be well to build a bridge some time if we wish to have ready access to the Far West.”