aft as
much as they would, or could, Gaunt believed that if she happened to be
caught in a hurricane, nothing could prevent her going to pieces.
Moreover, Singapore was well to windward of the island they were then
upon, and, though the raft did very fairly upon a taut bowline in fine
weather and in a moderate sea-way, Gaunt expressed very grave doubts as
to how she would behave in a strong breeze and a heavy sea. Then,
again, the absence of the skipper, Manners, and Nicholls would reduce
the defensive strength of those left behind to two men only, and that,
too, without any artificial protection, save such as their united
strength might enable them to throw up. On the whole, after canvassing
the question thoroughly, it was decided that the skipper's plan was very
much too risky for adoption under the then existing circumstances of the
party, and they eventually came to the conclusion that no better course
seemed open to them than to carry out Gaunt's original plan--namely, the
construction of a house which should be strong enough to serve also as a
fort in case of need.

The next point to be decided was, of what material should the house be
constructed? Of timber of a suitable character there was a
superabundance upon the island; nay, even on the islet itself there was
more than sufficient for their purpose. But it would have to be cut,
sawn to the required dimensions, and hauled to the site of the building
before it could be made use of; and all this involved a very great deal
of labour, to say nothing of the fact that, when finished, the structure
could easily be destroyed by fire. Gaunt was strongly of opinion that
stone was the most suitable material for the purpose; but,
unfortunately, he was by no means certain that a quarry could be found
in a convenient position, and at a convenient distance for
transportation. If it could, he believed that shells in sufficient
quantities for the manufacture of lime could easily be collected on the
beach; and he had no doubt as to his ability to construct a kiln in
which to burn them. As the engineer warmed with his subject he made the
superiority of stone over wood so evident that it was finally decided he
and Henderson should devote the next day to a search for a suitable
quarry; whilst the skipper, with Manners and Nicholls for his
assistants, was to essay the task of knocking up a temporary but
somewhat more efficient shelter for the party than the tents would
affor