he course
of our rambles about the island. But of course there is just the _bare
possibility_--I cannot put it any stronger than that--of a snake
drifting here on an uprooted tree or large branch. I have heard of
snakes being seen in the branches of trees drifting down rivers in
flood-time, and there is no reason why, under such circumstances, they
should not be carried clear out to sea. Whether, however, a serpent
could exist long enough to make the voyage from the mainland to this
island is, in my opinion, exceedingly doubtful. Still, I quite agree
with you that the ladies ought not to make any further visits to the
cavern until we have discovered the source of their alarm."

This singular circumstance gave rise to a considerable amount of
speculation among the members of the party; and they were still
discussing the matter when a knocking was heard at the door, and, in
obedience to Captain Staunton's stentorian "Come in," Dickinson entered.

"Sarvent, ladies," exclaimed the new-comer with an elaborate sea-scrape.
Then, seating himself in the chair which Captain Staunton indicated, he
continued, "Well, cap'n, and gentlemen all, I've just comed up, you see,
in obedience to your commands of the forenoon sent through the young
gentleman there"--pointing to Bob--"and to talk matters over as it
were."

"That's all right, Dickinson," answered Captain Staunton; "_we_ are very
glad to see you. Robert of course told you that we have decided to
accept the assistance of yourself and such of your shipmates as are to
be thoroughly relied upon?"

"He did, sir; and right glad and thankful I was to hear it," replied
Dickinson. "Of course we knowed right well, sir, how much we was axing
of you when we offered to chime in on your side. We was just axing that
you'd take us upon trust as it were, and believe in the honesty and
straight-for'ard-ness of men as had proved theirselves to be rogues and
worse. But you've took us, sir, and you sha'n't have no cause to repent
it; we're yours, heart and soul; hence-for'ard we takes our orders from
_you_, and we're ready to take any oath you like upon it."

"No oath is necessary, my good fellow," said Captain Staunton; "your
bare word is quite sufficient, for if you intend to be faithful to us
you will be so without swearing fidelity; and if you mean to betray us
an oath would hardly stop you, I am afraid. But we do not doubt your
fidelity in the least; the only thing we have any fea