he time we
might have to remain on the island. We gave up our hut to Mr Mallet
and Arthur, and made a large fire in front of it, while we had another,
at which we cooked our suppers. Not for a moment, I believe, did the
recluse close his eyes during that night, though most of our party slept
soundly. Whenever I awoke I saw him moving to and fro. Once I could
not help getting out of my hammock and asking him whether Arthur was
improving. "I trust he may be," was the answer. "I shall know
to-morrow."

In the morning Arthur certainly appeared better, his wounds having been
dressed by the skilful hands of his father. Arthur's state, however,
was still too precarious to allow of his removal without risk. Anxious
as we were to get back to our friends, we remained, therefore, three
days longer on the island. Occasionally John, Houlston, Tony, and I
made excursions to the mainland, finding it inhabited, to shoot; while
Maono and Illora were very successful in their fishing expeditions.

"Oh, I wish Arthur was well!" exclaimed Tony. "This is just the sort of
fun we were looking forward to; and I say, Harry, I hope it is only the
beginning of our adventures. Our employers, I know, will very gladly
send us up the river to purchase produce, and I dare say you can make
arrangements to come with us."

I of course said I should be very glad to do so, though I could not then
say what my father intended to do after reaching Para.

We shot a good deal of game--quadruped, four-handed, and feathered.
Among the latter, by-the-by, was a curious bird, which we found feeding
on the marshy banks of a lake, to which we made our way, attracted by
its loud and peculiar cry. Creeping on, we caught sight of it as it
stood on the shore. Houlston, who first saw it, declared that it was a
large crane. It was about the size of a swan, and getting nearer, I saw
that it had an extraordinary horn on the top of its head, surrounded by
black and white feathers, while the upper part of its wings had two
sharp horns projecting from them--formidable weapons of attack or
defence. Houlston fired, but missed. He had not improved as a
sportsman since we parted. John at that moment came up, and sent a ball
into the bird's neck. On this True and Faithful dashed forward, but
still the bird, though unable to run, showed fight with its wings and
kept them at bay. It soon, however, sunk down lifeless on the ground.
Its plumage was very handsome. T