I hope, though he does look more like an African lion than any
creature I have ever before set eyes on."

Peter, ashamed of his fright, now came down from the tree, and picking
up his club, which he had dropped, he with the rest advanced towards the
doomed seal. A well-aimed blow by Dick brought it again to the ground,
and in another instant it was deprived of life. As it was too far from
the boat to attempt to get it on board, they left it, and quickly pulled
round to the spot where the other slaughtered animals lay. In a short
time the boat was fully loaded. Just as they were shoving off, several
wild-fowl were seen.

"We ought to try and get some," said Willy, "for though this seal's
flesh will do for us and the men, the poor ladies require more delicate
food."

Captain Twopenny and the doctor at once crept up towards the birds, and
soon killed a dozen; for they, being evidently in happy ignorance of the
effect of fire-arms, were not frightened at the report of the guns.
Willy also succeeded in bringing down three with his gun. It was quite
dark, as the boat, with her welcome supply of provisions, crossed the
harbour, the light from the camp-fire serving as a beacon by which Willy
could steer his course.

The weather had been somewhat threatening, the wind freshened up, and
deeply laden as was the boat, they were afraid that she might be swamped
before they could reach the shore. At length, however, they got safely
to land, and found the party still busy in putting up huts. Mrs
Rumbelow was was among the first to welcome them. As soon as she saw
the wild-fowl, she begged for a couple, and began picking them on her
way back to the fire. The seals and the remainder of the birds were
quickly landed, and an ample supply of their flesh was soon either
boiling over the fire or roasting before it. Mrs Rumbelow prepared
with the birds a more delicate meal for the ladies than the seal-flesh
could afford. Willy had the satisfaction of taking it to them, with the
last plateful of biscuit crumbs which remained. One of the compass
lamps had been hung up to give light to the tent within which the four
ladies were seated.

"The doctor says that he hopes to-morrow to find some roots which may
serve instead of bread," observed Willy; "and he begs, Mrs Morley, that
you will accept the last apology for wheaten bread we are likely to have
for some time."

"Pray, thank the doctor, and we hope that you will share it wit