at length we had an ample supply to fill the shell we had brought for
that purpose. It was somewhat like dirty milk; but my uncle said it was
wholesome, and if allowed to settle, that it would become perfectly
clear. After resting a little the upper part became purer, and from
this we thankfully quenched our thirst. As our well was at a
considerable distance from the fort, it would be necessary to carry up a
supply, for should we be besieged, it might be difficult to reach it.

"Now," said my uncle, "as our friends are not absolutely suffering from
thirst, we may as well try and catch the rhinoceros."

"What! make chase after it?" asked Roger.

"No; the creature is sure to come back here, and we will make a trap."

"A hard job to make one strong enough to catch that brute," answered
Roger.

"Very little strength is required," said my uncle. "With your spade and
my axe we can quickly make it. Here, let me set to work and dig!"

Roger, however, would not hear of that, and he and I commenced under my
uncle's directions, who aided us in digging a pit about the size of the
rhinoceros, the earth around being somewhat soft and slimy. In the
meantime the water in our well had not only bubbled up, but settled
down, and was perfectly sweet and clear. Under Mr Sedgwick's
directions, we covered over the pit with boughs and leaves, so that the
hollow below was not visible.

"The next time Mr Rhinoceros comes this way, he will find himself
prevented from proceeding on his journey," observed my uncle. "I have
seen the creature caught in a pit like this, and I have little doubt
that ours will succeed."

We now filled the shells we had brought with water, and slinging them on
a bamboo, proceeded back to the fort.

CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT.

ATTACKED BY PIRATES.

The party who had remained in the fort had made good progress in
strengthening it, and we now felt ourselves prepared for the pirates'
reception.

"We shall have no difficulty in beating them back," I observed to Mr
Thudicumb, "with a fort like this for our protection."

"I hope not, Walter," he answered; "but they are fierce and desperate
fellows, and they may use means for our destruction which we little
expect. Still it is our duty to be prepared and to fight to the last.
We can do no more!"

"But if they conquer us what will Emily and Grace and the poor Frau do?"

"We must leave that in God's hands, Walter," answered the mate. "We
must fight li