ble oil to begin to flare at once, making the bamboos crackle
and then explode with a series of little reports like those of a
revolver.

"That's right," said the carpenter; "if we had only got a few dozen
cocoanut-shells to help it on, we should have a bonfire as'd beat a Guy
Foxer all to fits."

But there were no cocoanuts to be had without paying a visit to the
seashore, so the fire was mended with the bushes that were cut down from
here and there, blazing up so furiously that in a few minutes the clump
was consumed, and the snake with it, for it was not seen again.

"Now then," said the skipper, "scatter those embers about, and put an
end to that smoke, or it will attract the enemy and show them where we
are."

These orders were carried out, and the next hour was spent in adding to
the defences as far as was possible, in seeing to there being a supply
of water, and examining what there was in the shape of provisions in
store.

But other precautions were being taken at the same time, the skipper
having sent out three of the men right and left along the forest-paths
and towards the shore, so as to ensure them against surprise. Then the
afternoon wore away, and the evening approached, without alarm, and
before the night could fall in its rapid, tropical way, the scouts were
recalled, sentries posted, and the defenders gathered-together in their
little fortress for their evening meal, by the light of the great stars,
which seemed to Fitz double the size that they were at home.

Every one had his arms ready for use at a moment's notice, and the two
lads sat together nibbling the biscuit they had brought with them, and
moistening it from time to time with a draught of the water from the big
pannikin which they shared. That change from glowing sunset to darkness
had been wonderfully swift, and as the beauty of the surrounding jungle,
with its wondrous tints of green, changed into black gloom, the aspect
of the place affected the two young adventurers at once, Fitz giving
vent to a long-drawn sigh.

"What's the matter?" said Poole, in a low voice.

"Oh, I don't know," replied the middy. "It seems so strange and weird
here in the darkness. It makes me feel quite low-spirited."

"Do you know why that is?" asked Poole.

"Of course I do. It is all dark and dangerous, and at any time we may
have those mongrel Spaniels, as Chips calls them, rushing at us and
firing as they come."

"Well, we should fire at them