a quantity of wood, and took them up to the shade of the
nearest tree, where he could work in tolerable comfort. In a short time
he had formed three traps, similar to those made by boys in England to
catch sparrows, but of much larger dimensions.

Having picked up a quantity of seed fallen from the trees, for bait, he
set them in different places apart, where from a distance he could
command a sight of them. He watched eagerly, and soon had the
satisfaction of seeing one go down, and directly afterwards the other
two. He ran up to secure his prizes. Each had caught a pigeon, and
wringing their necks he reset the traps, and returned to his tree. Some
dry fungus served him for tinder. Having his flint and steel, he struck
a spark and soon had a fire blazing. He plucked one of the pigeons and
set it on to roast, considering that it would be sufficient for one
meal, and intending to keep the other two. He then made some dough
cakes, which he cooked as before, on a large stone surrounded by ashes.
He had begun his meal when he saw Nep ranging in the distance. He
called the dog to him, and observing his hungry look, gave him the
remainder of the pigeon and some dough cake. The dog, having eaten what
was bestowed upon him, looked still anxious.

"I see what it is; you are thinking of your master, old fellow. Now you
take back that bird. He is probably very hungry, and you may tell him I
sent it, if you like. I don't suppose he will refuse to eat it, even if
he knows where it comes from. Now mind, Nep, don't you stop on the way
and bolt it down, or I shall be obliged to give you a thrashing when you
come back."

Nep seemed fully to understand what he was to do. Taking the bird up
with as much care as if it were alive, he set off in the direction of
the cave.

"He'll do it," said Dick, well satisfied with himself. "I couldn't bear
to have him starve, while I am enjoying an ample meal. The chances are
that he hasn't got the sense to obtain anything for himself. Nep might
be able to catch some animals for him, but he won't succeed in getting
hold of a bird."

Dick felt much more satisfied with himself after this. He now began to
consider how he could make himself comfortable. While setting his traps
he had observed several trees which bore fruit, and he therefore felt
convinced he should be able to obtain as much food as he required,
besides any fish he might catch. On searching the carpenter's chest, he