weak to swallow
anything solid, Roger ceased to persuade him. In a few minutes the poor
fellow was again sunk in a profound stupor. As no more could be done
for him, the others turned their attention to their own meal, and, being
ravenously hungry, did full justice to the food before them, averring
that they had never in the whole course of their lives tasted anything
half so enjoyable, thus conclusively proving the truth of the statement
that "hunger is the very best sauce."

Having at length satisfied their appetites, it was considered quite time
to go and wait for Mistress Turtle to make her appearance. So away they
went, and, the distance not being great, they soon arrived at the spot,
where, sure enough, they saw a fine large turtle. They had been none
too cautious in their manner of approach, as they hardly anticipated
finding her there so soon, if at all; and, directly they appeared over
the ledge of rock, away she went as fast as she could for the sea. But
Roger, who was a very fast runner, soon got in front of her and headed
her off; and a few seconds later the men came up, when their united
efforts were sufficient to turn her over on her back, after which she
was safe. Bevan then drew his knife and cut off the head, which was
thrown away; and then, making fast a rope which they had brought with
them to one of the fins, they dragged the carcass off, and at length got
it to the hut. They then started to cut it up, one of the fins being at
once dropped into the pot and stood on the fire to make soup, that the
sick man might have something more nourishing than water to drink. Then
they put away as much as would keep fresh until they had used it, and
the remainder they hung out in the sun to dry, after cutting the flesh
into strips, thus ensuring for themselves a plentiful supply of meat for
some time to come. They all now felt somewhat more comfortable in their
minds, for they were certain that with the fish they hoped to catch, and
an occasional turtle or two, with a further possibility of eggs now and
then, and, above all, a plentiful supply of water, they would be able to
hold out until the fleet came back to take them off their temporary
prison.

Having removed every particle of flesh from the shell, Irwin signified
his intention of taking the latter down to the water's edge to clean it
thoroughly, as it would then afford a very handy and useful receptacle
for water, and it would be further very use