noon
Sir John held up one of his feet , and Jack could see that the leather of the boots was crushed up and drawn out of shape , while this drawing his attention to his own feet , which he now felt were uncomfortable and strange , he saw that his heavy boots were wrinkled up in the same way . But they had to hurry their steps down the mountain side , for an earthquake-like quivering made the earth feel as if a wave was running beneath them , while in quick succession two thunderous explosions came from below ; huge stones were thrown high in the air , and could be heard falling back into the crater with an awe-inspiring sound . There was no temptation to pause and watch what was evidently the commencement of an eruption , and which might at any moment grow in force , so every effort was made to reach the shore , as nearly as they could judge about the part of the island off which the yacht was expected to lie . They were fortunate on hitting upon one of the ravines which scored the mountain side some time before noon , and after a brief halt for refreshment , pushed on down its precipitous sides hour after hour , for the explosions from the crater grew more frequent , and all felt that they might culminate in some terrible cataclysm that would overwhelm them all . Darkness did not overtake them that night , for long before it was sundown they were conscious of a peculiar glow above them , and the final part of their descent was illuminated by an intense light , which as night fell was reflected from the clouds which had gathered , and helped them to reach the shore not above half-a-mile from where the yacht lay with her lights burning . A shot or two brought a boat to where they were waiting , and weary though they all were , they sat for hours gazing up at a great glowing stream of fire , which was plainly enough the beginning of one of the lava-streams which flowed down the mountain 's sides . `` Notice to quit , I think , sir , '' said the captain quietly .