owl captured by the doctor. Dan finding it no longer necessary to
perform the part of bellows, got up and surveyed the mollusc with
infinite satisfaction.

"Arrah, now, if there were but some praties to cook with it, we should
be having as fine an Irish stew as we could wish to set eyes on. It's
done to a turn now, doctor; and if you will please to lend a hand, we
will carry it to a clear place, away from the smoke, where Miss Alice
can sit down and enjoy herself." Suiting the action to the word, Dan
took hold of the edge of the shell, but sprang back again with a howl,
wringing his burnt fingers as he exclaimed, "Arrah, now, I forgot
entirely how hot it was!" The doctor could scarcely help laughing at
Dan's mistake, into which he himself had, however, narrowly escaped
falling. At his suggestion, the fire being raked away, two sticks were
laced under the shell, and it was carried to a level spot, where all the
party gathered round it, and thankfully ate their first meal on shore,
The food was well-tasted and nutritious, though they would gladly have
had some vegetable diet to take after it. All had eaten as much as they
required, and still a considerable portion remained. The doctor
suggested that it should be covered up with the upper shell, and kept
for the next day's breakfast. As it was now getting dark, the mate
advised Alice to retire to her tent, which he had erected close to the
spot where they were sitting, while the rest of the party made such
preparations as they deemed necessary for passing the night.

"Though we are not at sea, my friends," said the mate, "we must set a
watch, to guard against the attack of wild animals or savages; for
though we saw no habitations as we coasted along the shore, people may
possibly inhabit the interior. If each of us take two hours apiece, we
shall easily get through the dark hours of the night."

"Shure, Mr Shobbrok, how are we to fight the wild bastes or savages, if
they come, without arms?" asked Dan.

"With regard to the savages, I do not, I confess, expect a visit from
them; but if any do come, we must try to win their friendship," answered
the mate. "As for the wild beasts, we will at once cut some long poles,
and sharpen the ends in the fire to serve as lances. If, however, we
keep up a good blaze all night, none are likely to come near us; but
should any appear, the person on watch must instantly rouse up the
rest."

"No fear of dat, Mr Shobbrok," obs