estions which engaged their thoughts as they stood on that
lonely beach, hoping against hope, and every minute fancying some
friendly sail heaving in sight to relieve them from their perilous
position. After the darkest night comes the brightest day. This was ever
uppermost in Tite's mind, and he endeavored to impress its teachings on
the minds of his companions, who were fast yielding to their fears, and
would have given up in despair had not his stronger resolution
encouraged them still to hope for deliverance.

There was an abundance of small shell-fish along the coast, and on these
they subsisted. It was agreed to remain near the boat during the day, as
a precaution against an attack from the natives, who might have seen
them approach the coast, and perhaps be watching their movements near
by. But the day passed and not a human being was seen. At nightfall a
couple of goats and a pig, and some fowl that appeared to be keeping
them company, emerged from a thicket on a hillside, descended into a
valley or ravine, and drank in the brook. The sight of these animals
filled the hearts of the shipwrecked men with joy. It was to them a
proof of civilization. New hopes, new joys, new strength came with the
sight of these animals; and they advanced cautiously toward them. But
the animals were shy, and scampered away up the hill at the first sight
of the strangers.

There was a high hill near by, and, encouraged by the sight of these
animals, Tite started off just at dusk to ascend it and survey the
surrounding country, leaving his comrades on the beach to guard the
boat. It was quite dark when Tite reached the top, but the stars were
out, and the atmosphere was clear. Not a habitation was to be seen,
nothing but a wild, unbroken forest as far as the eye could reach. He
watched there for an hour or more, his eyes quickened by anxiety, and
his mind becoming more and more excited, until his fancy pictured in
every shadow some moving object. Then, as his eye traced along down the
deep ravine, he discovered, or rather thought he discovered, a pale
wreath of smoke curling lazily upward, not more than a mile from where
his comrades lay. What at first seemed only a fancy, now became a
reality, for the smoke increased in volume, and indicated with certainty
a habitation of some kind.

Descending the hill as quickly as he could, he found the two men fast
asleep, overcome with fatigue and excitement, and it was with great
difficulty