making up bundles of such
things as were likely to be most required. Mr Hooker was now all life
and spirits.

"The first thing we require, remember, is a good supply of provisions
and ammunition. Those are the chief necessaries. Water we cannot
carry, but I hope we may find it on the hill. At all events, let us
take care to have some pitchers to contain it. Then some cooking
apparatus, seeing we cannot eat our provisions raw. Then we shall
require some bedding for you young ladies. We can rough it well enough
on the ground."

We had made some progress in our preparations, when Mr Thudicumb and
Dick Tarbox arrived. With their assistance we got on still more
rapidly. Roger Trew had remained on the beach to watch the movements of
the supposed pirates. The boxes of collections were at once carried to
a place of concealment which had been arranged, and a few other articles
which were likely to excite the cupidity of the pirates. All things
were now ready for commencing our march, but we were unwilling to begin
it till we ascertained that we were really likely to be attacked. We
were still in hopes that the pirates might pass by, or land on some
other part of the coast where they were not likely to find any traces
which might lead them to the house.

"Quick, quick! haste away!" cried a voice, and Roger Trew was seen
running up as fast as his legs could carry him to the house. "The
pirates have seen the wreck, and are pulling in fast towards it," he
exclaimed.

We were all now in rapid movement. Mr Sedgwick led the way, as knowing
the country best; followed by the Frau and the two girls, with Oliver
and I to assist them. Mr Hooker came next, carrying his gun, and as
much ammunition and provisions as he could strap on to his back. The
two coloured men and Roger Trew came next, well armed; Mr Thudicumb and
Dick Tarbox bringing up the rear, with Merlin, who seemed to consider
that the post of danger and honour. Several of the tamer animals had
been let loose, and now followed us, a buffalo and babirusa following
behind, two deer keeping close to Emily and Grace, whose especial
favourites they were. Several monkeys flung themselves along the
branches over our heads, to the great astonishment of their kindred whom
they met on the road. Several tame jungle cocks and hens ran in and out
among our feet. Indeed, so attached had all the more tameable animals
become to our uncle, that they would follow at his cal