Once while exploring along the coast, he
observed a great table rock that had been washed down until it rested
upon two natural pillars, forming the capstone of the entrance to a
great cave. The sea was rolling heavily at the time, but by cautiously
backing the gig, he succeeded in entering. A scene of marvelous beauty
met his wondering eyes. High above, the rays of the tropical sun
pierced the numerous cracks and crevices in the arched roof of the
cavern, illuminating with gorgeous coloring the submarine vegetation
which hung like long snakes from roof and walls. Here the curling
vines and tendrils glowed a deep purple; there, owing to changing
light, a dark green; everywhere, light greens, dark reds, pinks,
crimsons, yellows, greys, bright reds and every conceivable color. Sea
fans and, sea plumes there were in endless variety, while outside, in
the scorching heat, no sign of vegetation relieved the eye, inside was
cool and beautiful with the luxuriance of the flora of the sea. The
sides of the cavern were filled with molusca--radiantly colored shells,
sea urchins and innumerable specimens of marine life. Along the pale
green surfaces of shelving rocks, sea foxes, a fur bearing animal on
that coast; bright, wicked little fellows, darted about, uttering shrill
cries at the intrusion of the stranger as he drifted slowly back into
their fairylike abode.
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