fter changing their custom when they see
the traps, and just come down to have a look into them," said Dan. "I
will place them under the trees and give them the chance, at all event."

"I would rather trust to bows and arrows," said Walter. "We must look
out for the proper sort of trees to make the bows. Perhaps we may find
some wood similar to the yew-tree of old England."

The doctor and Nub set off with Walter for the object he had in view,
while Alice remained with the mate and Dan, who were finishing their
traps. They first proceeded towards the stream. On their way Nub
showed them the sandal-wood trees which he had discovered. The doctor
was satisfied that he was right. Many of them were of considerable
size, really deserving the name of trees, though some could only be
called large bushes. In general appearance they were something like
myrtles, the trunk being about nine inches in diameter, the leaves very
small, alternate or nearly opposite. The doctor, who had carried the
axe, cut into the trunk of one of them, which was of a deep red colour.
"At all events, though we cannot carry a cargo away with us, we may
return here some day and obtain one," he said. "If there are no
inhabitants, the trees cannot be claimed as the property of anyone; and
we may load a vessel with great ease in the harbour."

"I tink, Mr Lawrie, dat we better look out for food just now," said
Nub, who thought the doctor was spending more time than necessary in
speculating on the future.

"You are right Nub," answered the surgeon, leading the way. They
examined numerous saplings of small size, but none seemed likely to suit
their purpose. On the banks of the stream they came to a magnificent
grove of bamboos of all sizes, some being as thick as a man's leg.

"Here we have the means of building a house ready to our hands," said
the doctor. "Perhaps they will assist also in decking over the boat."

"But I doubt if they would keep out the water," observed Walter. "I
think, however, that the fine ends or some of the very small canes may
serve for arrows."

"Dey make very good cups for drinking out of," said Nub; and asking for
the axe, he cut down a large bamboo cane, though not one of the
thickest, and showed Walter that numerous divisions or knots filled up
the centre of the cane, and that thus each knot would make the bottom of
a cup.

On passing near the tree where the doctor had seen the hornbills, they
observed one o