erved Nub. "If lion or tiger come,
me make a precious hollobolo."

"We need not be afraid of either lions or tigers," answered the mate,
"as, to the best of my belief, they are not to be found in this part of
the world; but what other savage animals there are, I am not prepared to
say."

Alice quickly retired to the tent her friends had arranged for her. The
mate assigned their watch to each of the party,--telling Walter,
however, that he must consider his over, and get a good night's rest.
No one thought it necessary to provide shelter, all of them being by
this time inured to sleeping in the open air. A lump of wood or a few
bundles covered with grass served for pillows. The doctor took the
first watch, Tidy the second, and Nub the third, while the mate chose
the last, that he might arouse the rest of the party in time. There
being an abundance of fuel, a large fire was kept up, which would serve
to prevent any wild beasts from approaching the camp; for they, unlike
fishes and insects, which are attracted by a bright light, generally
show a dislike to approach a fire.

Alice and Walter were the first on foot--even before the mate intended
to call them. Alice had conceived a wish to visit the fresh stream the
doctor had described, to enjoy a draught of cool water and the luxury of
a bath, should a spot be found which no sharks could reach, and where no
other savage creature was likely be lying hid. Walter willingly agreed
to accompany her, and to stand guard while she was performing her
ablutions. The mate did not object; and when Mr Lawrie heard of their
intention, he said that he considered the place perfectly safe, and that
he would shortly follow. Nub and Tidy, in the meantime, collected more
wood to keep up the fire, as it was important not to let it out, their
stock of matches being limited. They then went down to the beach to
search for more shell-fish, while Mr Shobbrok remained at the camp to
watch the fire. He and the doctor put their heads together to invent
various traps, with which they hoped to catch some of the numerous birds
flitting about the woods, or any of the smaller quadrupeds inhabiting
the neighbourhood.

Walter provided himself with a long stick, which he hoped would be a
sufficient weapon of defence against any creatures they were likely to
encounter, and in good spirits they set out on their expedition. They
had not got far when Alice, touching Walter's arm, whispered, "Do not