taking them.
In the other ease we might be sailing on with the depressing
consciousness that, not having searched for them thoroughly, we might be
leaving them behind. I therefore decide that, while our Indian friends
are engaged in building a canoe, in which work, from our inexperience,
we cannot render them any effectual aid, we employ the interval in
making the exploring expeditions we proposed. The point to be settled
is, how are we to carry out that plan?"

"The small canoe will not convey more than three people at the utmost,"
I observed. "I should like to go with Arthur and Duppo, as I at first
suggested; while you, John, stay to take care of Ellen, and superintend
the building of the canoe. You will be better able than any of us to
keep the Indians to their work, and guard Ellen, should any danger occur
from hostile Indians, or of any other description."

"I should certainly have liked to have gone myself," said John. "But
your argument is a strong one. I am sure I can trust you and Arthur,
and Duppo, from his acuteness, will be of great assistance to you; and
yet I do not like you to run the risk of the dangers to which you may be
exposed."

"It would not be worse for us than for you," remarked Arthur. "I would
willingly stay to defend Miss Ellen; but I am afraid I should not manage
the Indians, or act as you would do in an emergency."

I saw that John put considerable restraint on himself when he finally
agreed to let us go. Yet as we were as well able to manage the canoe as
he was, and much lighter, we were better suited to form its crew. At
the same time, it seemed evident that Ellen would be safer under the
protection of two grown-up men, than of lads like Arthur and I. It was
necessary, however, to wait to arrange provisions for our expedition,
and obtain also the advice of Maono on the subject. We much regretted
that we could not communicate with the recluse, as he would have
interpreted for us, and would also have given us his advice.

While taking a paddle in our canoe, we agreed that she required
considerable alterations to fit her for our intended expedition. Our
first task was to haul her up, and strengthen her bulwarks; for it will
be remembered that they were before put up in a hurried manner, and were
already almost torn off.

We were thus engaged in front of the hut when we heard Ellen exclaim,
"There is some one coming." And looking through an opening in the
forest, I saw Dup