dwelt in this little
paradise; but the reason was soon apparent to Noddy; for, when Mollie
was thirsty, their search for water was unavailing. There was none on
the island.

This was an appalling discovery, and Noddy began to consider the
situation of the water casks on board the wreck. They returned to the
boat, and having selected a suitable spot, the goods were landed, and
carefully secured under a sail-cloth brought off for the purpose. For
two weeks Noddy labored diligently in bringing off the most serviceable
goods from the wreck. He had constructed a tent on shore, and they made
their home on the island. For the present there was nothing but hard
work, for a storm might come and break up the schooner.

Noddy rigged a series of pulleys, which enabled him to handle the water
casks with ease. Other heavy articles were managed in the same way.
Farther up the inlet than his first landing-place he found a tree near
the shore, to which he attached his ropes and blocks, to hoist the
barrels out of the boat. We are sorry that our space does not permit a
minute description of these contrivances, for many of them were very
ingenious. The labor was hard, and the progress often very slow; but
Noddy enjoyed the fruit of his expedients, and was happy in each new
triumph he achieved. He had found a joy in work which did not exist in
play.

"Now, Mollie, we must build a house," said he, when he had brought off
sufficient supplies from the wreck.

"Do you think you can make a house, Noddy?"

"I know I can."

"Well, I suppose you can. I think you can do anything you try to do."

"I have brought off all the boards I could get out of the wreck, and I
am sure I can build a very nice house."

The work was immediately commenced. Near the spot selected for the
mansion of the exiles there was a grove of small trees. The wood was
light and soft, and Noddy found that he could fell the trees with his
sharp hatchet quickly and easily. Four posts, with a crotch in the top
of each, were set in the ground, forming the corners of the house. The
frame was secured with nails and with ropes. The sides and the roof were
then covered with the hibiscus from the grove. Noddy worked like a hero
at his task, and Mollie watched him with the most intense interest; for
he would not permit her to perform any of the hard labor.

The frame was up, and covered, but the house was like a sieve. It was
the intention of the master builder to cover the ro