all hands set about preparing the hoccos
for roasting, by first plucking the fowls, removing the intestines, and
sticking them on a sharpened stake in front of the fire.

It was not an entirely satisfactory method of cooking, for while one
portion was done brown, another would be hardly warmed through; but, as
Teddy said, "it went a long way ahead of nothing," and all three worked
industriously, turning the game or piling on the fuel until, about an
hour after sunset, the task was completed.

By this time the castaways were decidedly hungry, and the half-cooked
fowls tasted better than had the most elaborate meals on board the Sea
Dream.

CHAPTER IX.

ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night,
Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the
hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no
slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

"We couldn't see their lights half a mile away if they have any hoisted,
which isn't likely, for the oil must be scarce by this time," the
engineer said, "and, in case we did sight them, what good would it do?
We should induce them to land here, and we know how dangerous that is
even in the daytime. I had rather let them pass without knowing where we
are, than to be the innocent cause of a second disaster."

After considerable discussion Neal was made to understand that no good
could come of posting sentinels, and the little party lay down on the
bed of leaves; but, owing to the suspense concerning the fate of the
others, neither slept very soundly.

It was hardly light enough to see surrounding objects when Jake began to
prepare breakfast, and as soon as the sun rose Neal and Teddy paced to
and fro on the beach gazing seaward; but without seeing that for which
they sought.

For the first time Neal began to despair concerning his father, and
returning to the camp he said in a voice choked by sobs:

"I don't believe we shall ever see either of them again. The wind has
held steady since we landed, and they should have been here a long while
ago. Our boat couldn't have sailed so much faster than theirs that we
should arrive twenty-four hours in advance."

"Now put out of your mind the idea that we are not to see all hands some
time," Jake replied quite sharply. "I'm willing to admit that they may
not strike here, for I might as well own up to the truth, and sa