the shore towards the point where
the flag was flying. Having gone some way, we found an opening on our
right. The underwood and branches had evidently been cut away by an
axe, and seemed to lead from the flagstaff rock towards some place in
the interior. Dick Tarbox leading the way, we advanced along the path,
keeping a look-out among the trunks of the trees on every side, lest any
treacherous enemies might be lurking there. The ground rose somewhat.
At length we emerged into the open space, where there were signs of rude
cultivation; and further on appeared a cottage raised on poles about
three feet from the ground, very similar to the building we had put up
in our island, but considerably larger. This, we concluded, must be the
habitation of the people who had erected the flagstaff. As we got
nearer to it, we were saluted by the loud voices of birds--a number of
the numerous tribes found in these regions. Such screeching, crying,
cooing, shrieking, and chattering, I had never before heard; while from
wooden cages on every side, or from under small huts of curious
construction, came forth the cries of all sorts of animals. Still, no
one appeared. Presently we heard a shot at a little distance, and
discovered a path leading to where it came from. Tarbox fired as a
signal, being sure, from what we saw in the cottage, that its occupant
was not likely to be evilly disposed towards us. As we went on, we saw,
coming through the open glade before us, a tall figure, with a gun in
his hand, followed by another carrying a basket, and several birds slung
over his shoulders.

"A veritable Robinson Crusoe!" I exclaimed.

The figure answered, indeed, in every respect, the description I had
seen of that far-famed adventurer. There was the pointed, palm-leaf
hat; the rough skin leggings; a belt round the waist, with hunting-knife
and all sorts of things stuck in it; boots of skin; and a gun in his
hand (though, I suspect, Robinson Crusoe must have used a bow and
arrow--at all events, he must have done so when his powder was
expended). The man behind him, too, was in all respects like his man
Friday; fully as dark-skinned, though perhaps with rather more clothing
than Friday was accustomed to wear, as his dress was similar to that of
the leading figure.

"Hilloa, my friends! where do you come from?" he exclaimed, in a loud,
cheery voice. "What! have you found me out at last?"

"Why, friend, we saw a flag flying fro