Page:The crater; or, Vulcan's peak.djvu/320

 80 THE CRATER; ward as far as he could, and if possible to hold some sort of communication with Socrates, who might now be consi dered as commander at the point assailed. Fortunate was it that the governor bethought him of this measure. As Betts had the ship s launch, which carried two lugg-sails, his progress was both easy and rapid, and he actually got in sight of the Reef before midnight. To his astonishment, all seemed to be tranquil, and Betts at first believed that the savages had completed their work and departed. Being a bold fellow, however, a distant recon noitring did not satisfy him ; and on he went, until his boat, fairly lay alongside of the natural quay of the Reef itself. Here he landed, and marched towards the entrance of the crater. The gate was negligently open, and on entering the spacious area, the men found all quiet, with out any indications of recent violence. Betts knew that those who dwelt in this place, usually preferred the Sum mit for sleeping, and he ascended to one of the huts that had been erected there. Here he found the whole of the little garrison of the group, buried in sleep, and totally without any apprehension of the danger which menaced them. As it now appeared, Waally s men had not yet shown themselves, and Socrates knew nothing at all of what had happened to the brig. Glad enough was the negro to shake hands with Betts, and to hear that Master Mark was so near at hand, with a powerful reinforcement. The party already arrived might indeed be termed the last, for the governor had sent with his first officer, on this occasion, no less than five-and- twenty men, each completely armed. With such a garri son, Betts deemed the crater safe, and he sent back the launch, with four seamen in it, to report the condition in which he had found matters, and to communicate all else that he had learned. This done, he turned his attention to the defences of the place. According to Socrates account, no great loss in pro perty would be likely to occur, could the colonists make good the Reef against their invaders. The Abraham was over at the Peak, safe enough in the cove, as was the Ne- shamony and several of the boats, only two or three of the smaller of the last being with him. The hogs and cows