spit
that runs out into the sea, and find that they have got too far to the
eastward, and must follow the shore line to East Bay Neck. Back through
the scrub they drag their heavy feet. That night they eat the last
crumb of the loaf. The third day at high noon--after some toilsome
walking--they reach a big hill, now called Collins' Mount, and see the
upper link of the earring, the isthmus of East Bay Neck, at their feet.
A few rocks are on their right hand, and blue in the lovely distance
lies hated Maria Island. "We must keep well to the eastward," said
Greenhill, "or we shall fall in with the settlers and get taken." So,
passing the isthmus, they strike into the bush along the shore, and
tightening their belts over their gnawing bellies, camp under some
low-lying hills.

The fourth day is notable for the indisposition of Bodenham, who is a
bad walker, and, falling behind, delays the party by frequent cooees.
Gabbett threatens him with a worse fate than sore feet if he lingers.
Luckily, that evening Greenhill espies a hut, but, not trusting to the
friendship of the occupant, they wait until he quits it in the morning,
and then send Vetch to forage. Vetch, secretly congratulating himself on
having by his counsel prevented violence, returns bending under half a
bag of flour. "You'd better carry the flour," said he to Gabbett, "and
give me the axe." Gabbett eyes him for a while, as if struck by his puny
form, but finally gives the axe to his mate Sanders. That day they creep
along cautiously between the sea and the hills, camping at a creek.
Vetch, after much search, finds a handful of berries, and adds them to
the main stock. Half of this handful is eaten at once, the other half
reserved for "to-morrow". The next day they come to an arm of the sea,
and as they struggle northward, Maria Island disappears, and with it all
danger from telescopes. That evening they reach the camping ground by
twos and threes; and each wonders between the paroxysms of hunger if
his face is as haggard, and his eyes as bloodshot, as those of his
neighbour.

On the seventh day, Bodenham says his feet are so bad he can't walk,
and Greenhill, with a greedy look at the berries, bids him stay behind.
Being in a very weak condition, he takes his companion at his word, and
drops off about noon the next day. Gabbett, discovering this defection,
however, goes back, and in an hour or so appears, driving the wretched
creature before him with blows, as a