vages could run, and
they were out of sight when we reached the passage between the island
and the main land. We could see no canoes on the shore, and this made
us hope that we might at all events avoid an attack until the gale was
over, and we could resume our search for my father.

We did not doubt for a moment that the "Lily" would come to look for us,
and by hoisting a signal on the outer end of the island we hoped to
attract her attention. Passing through the channel, which was about a
mile wide, we rounded the eastern point of the island where the water
was perfectly smooth, when discovering a small bay with a sandy beach we
at once pulled in. As we saw no huts or plantations we calculated that
the island was uninhabited. We therefore landed without hesitation, and
hauled up our boat. From a rocky elevation on the northern side of the
bay we could command a view of the main land along the whole length of
the strait.

Uncle Jack sent Blyth and me to watch should any natives appear, but
sharp as were our eyes we could discover neither canoes nor human beings
moving about.

The savages therefore supposing we had escaped had, we concluded,
returned to their village. As there was some probability that we should
have to remain several days on the island, Uncle Jack proposed that we
should build a hut, which would be a pleasanter sleeping-place than
under the boat. We at once therefore set to work.

The Papuan showed himself an adept at the use of the axe, and
understanding clearly what we wanted was of great assistance. A bamboo
thicket and some large palm leaves afforded us materials, so that in a
short time we had a well built hut erected capable of containing all the
party, the upper floor affording us a sleeping-place, while the lower
would shelter us during the day should it come on to rain. We naturally
felt much anxiety about the vessels, though we trusted that they would
avoid any of the dangers which lay to the westward.

Night passed without any adventure. The gale raged with unabated fury,
though we felt it but little in our sheltered cove. We had brought a
good store of provisions and a breaker of water in the boat, but that,
from the frequent applications to it, was almost exhausted. It was
necessary to search for a fresh supply. Uncle Jack was unwilling to
leave the beach in case the natives might find the means of crossing.
Blyth and I therefore undertook to go in search of water. We ho