164 SPLENDID SCENE. 



of more than an hour, I found myself on its most 

 lofty pinnacle, almost directly over the water. The 

 scene was charming. The high wind had cleared 

 away all the smoke and haze from the hills on the 

 opposite shore, and they stood out in bold relief 

 against the azure sky. Far to the southward the 

 rock-bound island of Boazuru rose alone in the lake, 

 defying all the fury of the raging waters, as, recoiling 

 from the stout barrier opposed to them, they sent 

 their white spray high in the air ; and beyond the 

 island the broad arm of the lake from which the 

 Shire flows might be seen. To the north and south 

 the lake itself was one mass of foam, and the wind be- 

 ing from the south-east, the great swells came hissing 

 along, dashing with fury against the base of the cliff, 

 and seeming to vie with each other as to which 

 should first climb its almost perpendicular side, and 

 kiss my feet. But in the midst of all this turbulence 

 and agitation peace reigned supreme — in one quiet 

 spot, at least. The very rock on which I was stand- 

 ing was the outmost guard of the breakwater^ which 

 shielded a little bay from the angry wind and seas. 

 Turning thither, all was calm indeed. The blue 

 water, with the Search sleeping on its bosom, was 

 without a ripple, save when every now and then a 

 gust, cannoning from hill to hill, rushed down a gorge, 

 and disturbed the surface of the lake for a moment. 

 Further to the northward the majestic promontory of 

 Cape Maclear opposed the onset of the storm, and 

 firm and calm itself, looked down in rebuke on the 

 rude invaders that were recklessly dashing them- 

 selves against its base. The whole scene was truly 



