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forehead with their invisible mystic signs, so that she was able to see and do

many wonderful things.

The acacia tree was on top of a high bluff, but a path ran down the bank in a

zigzag way to the water's edge, where Cap'n Bill's boat was moored to a rock

by means of a stout cable. It had been a hot, sultry afternoon, with scarcely a

breath of air stirring, so Cap'n Bill and Trot had been quietly sitting beneath

the shade of the tree, waiting for the sun to get low enough for them to take a

row.

They had decided to visit one of the great caves which the waves had washed

out of the rocky coast during many years of steady effort. The caves were a

source of continual delight to both the girl and the sailor, who loved to explore

their awesome depths.

I b'lieve, Cap'n," remarked Trot, at last, "that it's time for us to start."

The old man cast a shrewd glance at the sky, the sea and the motionless boat.

Then he shook his head.

Mebbe it's time, Trot," he answered, "but I don't jes' like the looks o' things

this afternoon."

What's wrong?" she asked wonderingly.

Can't say as to that. Things is too quiet to suit me, that's all. No breeze, not a

ripple a-top the water, nary a gull a-flyin' anywhere, an' the end o' the hottest

day o' the year. I ain't no weather-prophet, Trot, but any sailor would know

the signs is ominous."

There's nothing wrong that I can see," said Trot.

If there was a cloud in the sky even as big as my thumb, we might worry

about it; but--look, Cap'n!--the sky is as clear as can be."

He looked again and nodded.

P'r'aps we can make the cave, all right," he agreed, not wishing to disappoint

her. "It's only a little way out, an' we'll be on the watch; so come along, Trot."

Together they descended the winding path to the beach. It was no trouble for

the girl to keep her footing on the steep way, but Cap'n Bill, because of his

wooden leg, had to hold on to rocks and roots now and then to save himself

The Scarecrow of Oz