e must put this danger beyond doubt, or we shall
have everyone in the camp suffering from nervousness."

"If you would wait a few days I could be of some use," said Morgan.

"Then we will wait a few days," said the captain sharply. "It will give
you something to anticipate and help you to get well."

"I am well now," replied Morgan. "I only want strength."

The report of all was the same, that over and over again the creature
had been heard to roar savagely, and to be at times very close at hand.

Still all this did not interfere with Mark's appetite. On the whole,
though sorry that his mother and the O'Hallorans should have been
alarmed, he was rather pleased to find that he had been right in his
belief that from time to time he could hear the roaring. Maleo bird
roasted--the repast being made off those that were first shot--was
excellent; so was the acid fruit squeezed over it--fruit picked by Mrs
O'Halloran while the others cooked. Then there was a kind of oyster
which was delicious roasted in its shells. And one way and another Mark
felt that he had never before partaken of so appetising a repast,
especially as he sat sipping cocoa-nut milk when it was done.

Everyone was in good spirits, for the captain promised tea and chocolate
from the stores that were untouched by fire, and plenty of flour and
biscuit--treasures, which would make their stay on the island far more
bearable, without counting upon the many other things which the ship
would supply.

At last they separated to their couches of leaves and sand, after an
arrangement being made for an early start next day to explore the island
by a party well armed and ready to do battle with any enemy that might
present itself.

Mark's, sleeping-place was next to the major's now, the hospital being
closed, for the stowaway wanted to be along with his mates; and the
other wounded sailor sturdily declared that he was quite well now, and
walked very nimbly to the men's hut.

Mark recollected lying down, and then all was perfectly blank till he
began dreaming in the morning that his father told him that he was not
to go with the expedition; but just then the savage beast in the jungle
roared and repeated its cry in a way which suggested that he was to
come, for the creature particularly wanted him.

This woke him; but all was perfectly still, and he could not tell
whether the sound had rung upon his ears or not.

It was daylight though, and, rising, he we