may run
on ahead and say we are coming."

However, the boys, after all, were not very willing to give up the spar
of which they were so proud, and carried it on a little way further in
spite of their friends' offers. At length Jack quietly put his shoulder
under one end, and Timbo took the other, and fairly lifted it off their
backs. It was high time, for their knees were beginning to shake, and
their faces looked very red with their exertions. The mast was indeed a
great deal too long for the canoe, and required more than a third cut
off.

We found that the young ladies had, as usual, made ample preparation for
our supper, and Kate had found time to give Bella her usual lessons.
Her instruction was imparted certainly under difficulties. Her only
books were a Bible, a small History of England, a Johnson's Dictionary,
and a work on natural history. The latter was especially useful to all
of us, as it gave a very fair account of many of the animals we were
likely to meet with. Senhor Silva had laid in a good stock of paper,
pens, and ink. Kate herself was so well acquainted with geography, that
she was able to draw maps, and teach her sister without difficulty.
History, too, she seemed to have at her fingers' ends, so that Bella not
only learned about England, but most other countries in the world.

Next day we all went back to our work. We began first to shape the
outside of the canoe--a task we performed with our axes, and at this
four could work at once. By Jack's advice we planed off the upper side
of the tree, so that the plan of the canoe could be drawn off on it by
exact measurements. We first drew a straight line down the centre, and
from this measured off the two sides with the greatest care. In the
game way the stem and stern were measured with a plumb-line. We then
turned the log over, and having levelled that side, marked off the keel,
thus having it truly in the centre. Natty and Leo had remained to
assist in turning over the log.

"Why, that is exactly how I should cut out a model-boat!" exclaimed Leo.
"If we had a saw we could shape the bows and stern much more easily,
just as I always used to do."

"But you see, young gentleman, we must make use of what tools we have,"
observed Jack. "By sticking at it, I dare say we shall not be as long
cutting out this here canoe as you would have been making a little
model."

"Let me see," said Leo. "No; I remember it took me a good month before