ing more narrowly, he found in a small bush a large nest
with five young birds. "Here, here," he cried to Peter, who ran up.
"Why, I do believe they are parrots. They are nearly fledged. How
delighted the Miss Morleys will be to have them."

"But how can we carry them?" said Peter.

"See, I will tie them up in my handkerchief, and sling them round my
neck," said Willy, securing the nest as he proposed. The young parrots
were, as may be supposed, a constant care to him for the rest of the
journey. Peter every now and then looked into the handkerchief as it
hung at his back, declaring that the birds were getting on very well,
only opening their mouths as if they wanted to be fed. They seemed to
like the berries which had been found, and meeting with another bush,
Peter collected a supply to feed them with.

At length it grew so dark that they could with difficulty see their way.
They were about to encamp, when Willy caught sight of the lights in the
village, far below them. Just then they got into a seal-track, along
which they proceeded.

"Look out, Peter, lest we should find a lion in the path," said Willy.
He had scarcely spoken when a bellow was heard close to them. It was
repeated in all directions.

"I don't quite like it," exclaimed Peter. "Can those horrible noises
really be made only by seals?"

"No doubt about that," said the doctor. "They are not likely to attack
us, and the best thing we can do is to push on."

To those not aware of the cause, the loud bellows which resounded
through the woods would have indeed seemed terrific. Once or twice one
of the monsters was seen scrambling among the bushes, but was soon out
of sight, and none appeared to be combatively disposed.

At length the lower ground was reached, and in a short time they were
welcomed by their friends at the village.

Harry Shafto was especially thankful when he received the report of the
doctor; and it was arranged that the next morning, as soon as some more
spades could be manufactured, a party should set out to dig roots, while
Captain Twopenny volunteered to lead another in search of hogs.

"At all events, I trust we need have no fear of dying of starvation,"
Harry remarked in a tone which showed the relief he felt. "Had it not
been for you, doctor, however, I confess we should have been badly off."

Willy awoke at early dawn to feed his parrots, which were chattering
away at his ear. As soon as breakfast was over, he