with Nub, should remain behind at the house; for,
as they had now an ample supply of provisions, they might safely do so
without fear of starving. They both, however, begged so hard to go,
that he at length yielded to their wishes; and it was agreed that the
whole party should set off directly after breakfast the next morning.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN.

EXPLORING EXPEDITION--A STRANGE BIRD--A NIGHT ENCAMPMENT--CATCH A
TURTLE--A FEARFUL STORM--TAKE REFUGE UNDER A ROCK--PROVISIONS WASHED
AWAY--NEARLY OVERWHELMED BY THE SEA--JOURNEY CONTINUED--BRUSH-TURKEYS
CAUGHT--REACH HOME--THE BOAT GONE.

Alice and Walter were up betimes, eager for the intended expedition. As
it was uncertain whether fresh water would be met with, they all carried
bamboo casks slung over their backs, with a small quantity of smoked
fish,--the doctor's plan having been found to answer admirably. Each
one of the party also carried a supply of sago flour packed in cases of
the invaluable bamboo. Walter had one evening, for his amusement, cut
out a fork of bamboo for Alice, and his example had been followed by the
rest of the party. The bamboo likewise made very fair dinner-knives;
and he had contrived some spoons by putting a piece of wood at one end--
though, seeing they had as yet no soup for dinner, they were not of much
use.

"So we must leave all these luxuries and conveniences of life for the
wild bush," said Walter, with a pretended sigh. "Well, well, we shall
enjoy them so much the more when we come back again."

"We are not likely to be long absent from home," observed Mr Shobbrok.
"If we find that we are on the mainland, we will certainly not venture
further into the interior. As far as my recollection serves me, there
are only small islands off the coast; and I am inclined to the opinion
that we are on one of these,--in which case we shall speedily return."

"I trust so, for I have no wish to fall in with the inhabitants, who are
sure to be savages, and will probably treat us as enemies," observed the
doctor.

"But, Mr Shobbrok," said Walter, "suppose we get back safely, when do
you propose altering the boat, so that we may commence our voyage to
Sydney?"

"Immediately on our return,--if, as I expect, we shall be able on our
expedition to discover spots where we can obtain a more ample supply of
game than we have found in this neighbourhood."

"I shall indeed be very thankful," said Alice, with a sigh; "for though
I am very happ