ed this lengthened
period of repose, not because they stood in need of sleep, but from the
exhaustion of weakness, consequent upon their long spell of hunger and
thirst.

They slept well, considering that they had no couch, nor any covering,
but the tattered clothes they wore upon their bodies. But they had
become accustomed to this kind of bed; as to one even less comfortable,
and certainly not safer--on the hard planks of the pinnace. Nor did the
cold discomfort them; for although the nights are colder on land than at
sea, and in the tropics sometimes even chilly, that night was warm
throughout; and nothing interfered with their slumbers except some
horrid dreams, the sure sequence of suffering and perils such as they
had been passing through.

The morning rose bright and beautiful, as nearly all Bornean mornings
do. And the castaways rose from their recumbent position, feeling
wonderfully restored both in strength and spirits. Henry and Helen--
these were the names of the young people--were even cheerful, inclined
to wander about and wonder at the strange objects around: the beautiful
beach of silvery sand; the deep blue sea; the white breakers beyond,
rising over it like along snow-wreath; the clear fresh-water stream
alongside, in which they could see curious fish disporting themselves;
the grand forest-trees, among them stately palms and tall lance-like
bamboos;--in short, a thousand things that make tropical scenery so
charming.

Notwithstanding the scenic beauty, there was something needed before it
could be thoroughly enjoyed, and this was breakfast. The contents of
the great oyster had given full satisfaction for the time; but that was
nearly twenty-four hours ago, and the appetites of all were once more
keenly whetted. What was to take the edge off them? This was the
question that occupied their thoughts, and the answer was not so easy.

Saloo went in search of another Singapore oyster; Murtagh started along
the bank of the stream, in the hope of beguiling some of the red and
gold fish he saw playing "backgammon" in it, as he had seen the trout
and salmon in his native Killarney; while the captain, having procured a
rifle, that had been brought away in the boat, and which he well knew
how to handle, wandered off into the woods.

Henry and Helen remained under the tree, as their father did not think
there could be any danger in leaving them alone. He was well enough
acquainted with the natural hi