ve taken it to England, it
would have been of inestimable value, and would have made ample amends
for all the dangers and hardships we have gone through."

"Well, well, doctor, I don't know that the owners of the _Champion_
would be exactly of your opinion, any more than the rest of us,"
observed the mate, laughing; "but perhaps we may find some other curious
creature before long to recompense you for your loss. It's time,
however, to be on the tramp. I should like to ascertain before dark how
far we are from the mainland; for that we are on an island I feel
confident."

The explorers accordingly once more got into motion. As they advanced,
they found the sun still shining down on the shore, a proof that they
were making a westerly course, and as it sank in the sky they saw that
it almost faced them.

"I have no longer any doubt about the matter," observed the mate. "See
yonder distant line of blue land which runs nearly due north and south.
We have evidently almost reached the extreme western end of the island;
and I believe that we shall have no difficulty in getting back along the
southern shore by to-morrow evening. We will go on a mile or two
further, and then make preparations for encamping. We must provide
proper accommodation for our little lady here; and we shall want
daylight in which to build our hut, and to collect firewood."

The party continued on much as before, and though, as a precautionary
measure, Dan still went ahead to scout, on the possibility of meeting
with Indians, they had no longer much apprehension on the subject. At
length they reached an open spot close to the seashore, though somewhat
raised above it, well suited for an encampment. They accordingly
resolved to remain there for the night. Tall trees rose on either side
and behind them, with a sandy beach in front; beneath was a line of low
rocky cliffs, which formed a bulwark to the land. A wide channel ran
between them and the mainland, which could be dimly seen in the
distance.

All hands immediately set to work: the mate, doctor, and Walter to build
a substantial hut for Alice; and Nub and Dan to collect firewood for
cooking their evening meal. Alice was not idle. She employed herself
in gathering leaves and dry grass to form her bed, which, at the
doctor's suggestion, was made with a layer of twigs and small branches,
the leaves being thickly strewed on the top of them.

"I wish that, instead of taking so much pains a