me could not have turned up their noses at, for the
articles were certainly intrinsically worth more than the best-cut
masterpiece of the best outfitter, even if not of so perfect a fit or
style!

Fritz was the chief tailor in this operation; but, while he was busily
engaged with needle and thread, Eric was employed in another way,
equally for the good of both.

The hut had been found somewhat cold and damp in consequence of the
sun's power beginning to wane by reason of its shifting further north,
through the periodic revolution of the earth; so it was determined to
build a fireplace within the dwelling.

This had not been necessary before, all their cooking operations having
been carried on without the hut at an open-air campaigner's stove
designed by soldier Fritz.

Now, however, Master Eric devoted himself to the task of improving their
household economy, accomplishing the feat so well that, wonderful to
relate, the place never smoked once after the fire had been lit in the
new receptacle for it, excepting when the wind blew from the westward.
Then, indeed, coming from over the top of the plateau above, it whirled
down the gorge, roaring through the lad's patent chimney like a cyclone.

From May, until the end of July--during which time the extreme severity
of the winter lasted--the brothers did little, save stop indoors and
read, or play dominoes.

Really, there was nothing else for them to occupy their minds with; for,
it was impossible to cultivate the garden, while the weather was too
rough for them to venture out in the whale-boat.

Early in August, however, the penguins returned.

The birds did this as suddenly as they had left; although they did not
come all together, as at the period of their migrating from the island.

It need hardly be said that Fritz and Eric welcomed them joyfully as the
early swallows of the coming summer; for, as the summer advanced, their
life would be more varied, and there would be plenty for them to do.

Besides, the brothers had not forgotten Captain Brown's promise to
return at this period and visit them with the _Pilot's Bride_, the
arrival of which vessel might be expected in a couple of months or so.

The male penguins were the first to make their reappearance in the bay,
Eric returning to the hut with the news of this fact one morning in
August.

"I say, Fritz," he called out, when yet some distance off from their
dwelling--"I've just seen two penguins down by t