old even of the tail of one
of them."

However, the two birds which had been killed by Nub and the doctor were
of great value. The latter said that he believed they were a species of
the "brush-turkey," often found in New South Wales, and that their flesh
was excellent.

On examining the mound, they discovered several eggs buried deep down in
it, leaving them in no doubt as to the purpose for which it was made by
the birds,--namely, that of hatching their young. Half-a-dozen fine
eggs were secured, and Dan and Nub, hanging the turkeys on a pole,
carried them along in triumph between them.

As the party had still a long day's march before them, they pushed on
without stopping, the doctor and the mate insisting on carrying Alice
between them. She declared that she did not feel at all tired; however,
as they were anxious to reach home if possible that night, they would
not listen to her expostulations. In reality, she was very thankful to
be conveyed in so comfortable a manner.

Just before dark they caught sight of their harbour. The house was
standing,--a proof of the sailor-like way in which it had been
constructed; but when they looked for the boat, which had been hauled up
on shore, out of reach of the sea, as they conceived, she was nowhere to
be seen.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN.

A FLAGSTAFF AND LOOKOUT TOWER ERECTED--A CANOE BUILT--MORE GAME CAUGHT--
A SAIL IN SIGHT--CAPTAIN TREDEAGLE FINDS HIS CHILDREN--HIS ADVENTURES--A
WRECK--A VESSEL BUILT--VOYAGE TO SYDNEY--THE WHOLE PARTY SETTLE IN NEW
SOUTH WALES--CONCLUSION.

The first impulse of all the party was to rush along the shore of the
harbour in search of the boat. Their worst fears were quickly realised.
Fragments of the wreck lay scattered along the beach, giving certain
evidence of her fate. The sea, aroused by the gale, which struck
directly on the coast, had rushed up the harbour; and the water rising
much above its usual height, had floated the boat and then dashed her to
pieces on the rocks.

Alice, giving way to despair, wrung her hands. "Oh, poor papa!" she
exclaimed; "we shall never be able to go in search of him, and he will
think that we are all lost."

Walter felt very much as Alice did, but after being silent for some
time, he took her arm and said, "Remember, our father always told us to
trust in God; and I am sure we ought to do so, and must do so, if we
would not live in constant anxiety and fear. He will guide us and
direct us, an