d enable him to do this. The sail would
afford material for a flag.

All these plans came to his mind as he stood there; and the prospect of
once more doing something which was to help him to escape from his
prison drove away the last vestige of his grief. His courage again
arose, hope revived, and he burst forth into a light and joyous song.
Very different was he now from the despairing lad who, but a short time
before, had been pouring forth his tears of sorrow; and yet but a few
minutes had passed since then. The steamer was yet in sight down the
bay, but Tom, who had lately been so frantic in his efforts to attract
her attention, now cast a glance after her of perfect indifference.

And now it was necessary for him to return to the east end of the
island, and look about for the means of putting into execution his plan
for making a signal.

He started off on his return without any further delay. The path back
was as rough and toilsome as the way down had been; but Tom was now
full of hope, and his elastic spirits had revived so thoroughly that he
cared but little for the fatigue of the journey. It was traversed at
last, and he descended the slope to the place from which he had started.

His exploration of the island had been quite complete. It seemed to
him to be about a mile and a half in length, and a half a mile or so in
width. The east end, where he had first arrived, was the only place
where it was at all desirable to stay.

Immediately on his arrival he examined the boat, and found it secure.
To his surprise it was now about sunset. He had forgotten the lapse of
time. He was hungry; so he sat down, ate his biscuit, drank his water,
and rested from the toils of the day.

XVI.

A Sign for the outer World.--A Shelter for the Outcast's Head.--Tom's
Camp and Camp-bed.--A Search after Something to vary a too monotonous
Diet.--Brilliant Success.

Tom sat down after his eventful day, and took his evening meal, as has
been said. He rested then for some time. His excessive labors had
fatigued him less than the great excitement which he had undergone, and
now he felt disinclined to exert himself. But the sun had set, and
darkness was coming on rapidly; so he rose, at last, and went over to
the drift-wood. Here, after a search of about half an hour, he found
something which was very well suited to his purpose. It was a piece of
scantling about twenty feet long, and not very thick; and to this h