THE LOST ISLE 113 



grotesquely, from the crevices of which sprays of peach- 

 coloured orchids quivered, while the flora of land and 

 sea commingled on the lustrous surface. Beyond again, 

 the inlet wound round the base of a cliff vocal with the 

 fugue of birds which flew from flowery parapet to 

 flowery parapet. 



Gradually the cliffs retreated, leaving fair banks 

 adorned with shrubs and great trees with branches 

 pendulous over unbroken placidity, and there, on a 

 knoll, stood a palm, rigid and straight as a column, 

 crowned with shimmering fronds which shielded masses 

 of nuts, brown and green, and great spraj^s of straw- 

 coloured infloresence. More palms beyond, thick-set ; 

 and beyond again an avenue in perfect alignment, each 

 tree perfect in stately form, with one blotch of glorious 

 purple — as high and compact as a church — to block the 

 diminished distance. 



The boat drifted to the landing never touched by 

 foot of man. Lost in admiration of the imposing and 

 manifold perfections of the Isle, eager to wander at 

 will among those enticing glades, and to make festival 

 with their genial gods, I stepped out — and into nothing- 

 ness ! 



Can it be that never again shall be discovered in the 

 Land of Dreams the Lost Isle ? 



