ere speedily roasting on spits
before the fire.

"Much obliged to you for the good supper you've procured for us, Mr
Pullingo," observed Paddy; "but it surprises me that you, who can get as
many well-tasted birds as you like by throwing that bit of stick, can
bring yourself to eat such horrible food as that putrid whale's flesh.
However, we all have our tastes; though I can't say I admire yours."

These remarks were made while we were seated round the fire, and
Pullingo was gnawing away at the whole body of a cockatoo, which he had
taken for his share. Though he could not understand a word the Irishman
said, he seemed to have an idea that he was referring to his gastronomic
powers, and he complacently stroked his stomach, to show that he was
enjoying his food.

Having finished our meal, we prepared ourselves for sleep, each of us
having placed a piece of bark on the ground to serve as a mattress,
under shelter of the upright pieces, according to the native fashion.
Pullingo was quickly snoring, showing his confidence in us; but Mudge
thought it would be wiser to keep watch, in case any strange natives
might pay us a visit during the night. We knew that we had no danger to
apprehend from savage animals, as even the dingo, the only carnivorous
quadruped in the country, will not attack a human being able to offer
the slightest resistance. We could not, however, tell what a pack of
such brutes might do should they find us asleep.

I kept my watch very faithfully; but I suspect some of the rest of the
party followed Pullingo's example, and went to sleep. No serious
consequences ensued, but the sun was up before any of us awoke.

We immediately set to work to relight the fire and cook our breakfast.
Mudge and Paddy Doyle then tried once more to ascertain whether Pullingo
was willing to accompany us to the south; and after such conversation as
they could carry on, they were satisfied that he would undertake to act
as guide--as far, at all events, as he was acquainted with the country.
What had become of his big son, his wife, and small children, we could
not make out; but he apparently intended to leave them behind.

"Now, lads," said Mudge, "we will store the goods we have brought up,
and then make the best of our way down to the camp; but as it would not
be safe, I suspect, to leave them without protection, are any of you
willing to remain? If we carry our black friend back within scent of
the whale, I am afraid t