Page:Under Dewey at Manila.djvu/194

166 "Do you think this island inhabited?"

"That depends a good deal on the size. If it's large, yes; if it's small, no."

"Is it one of the Philippines?"

"I reckon it is; some small place directly to the north of Luzon. But come on; we want to make the most of the forenoon, because by eleven o'clock it will be too hot to travel."

In a moment more they were on the way, climbing the cliff and pushing up a gradual slope covered with rank tropical growth, steaming from the rain which had fallen Upon it. For the greater part, the growth was of coarse grass, knee-high and more, but here and there were thick clumps of bushes, gorgeous with colored flowers and odd-looking berries, not a few of a poisonous nature. Still farther on was a heavy belt of stunted palms, with vines training in every direction, and here flitted, in surprise and terror at their appearance, wild pigeons, hornbills, as well as parrakeets, cockatoos, and other varieties of parrots.

"My, but it's hot!" murmured Larry, as they came to a rest under the palms. "And how everything does grow in these hot places!"

"Yes, it grows, but a good bit of it is mighty