d been secured there was enough, with due economy, to last
for several months, and, providing water could be found, they might
live. But the precious fluid which had been saved would, even with a
very short allowance to each man, soon be exhausted. Owen now proposed
that they should go back and get some of the men to secure their prizes.

On approaching the camp, however, they heard shouts and wild shrieks of
laughter. It was evident that they had been following the example set
them by the mate. They had got hold of a cask of spirits, which they
had broached, as well as one of the beer casks. When Owen and his
companions got up to the camp, their appearance elicited loud shouts of
laughter, and cries of "Who are these young Turks? Where do you come
from?" The men having amused themselves for some time, invited Owen,
Nat, and Mike to sit down and drink with them.

"We have no time to do that," answered Owen; "but we want you to come
and help us secure a number of articles we have found."

"Have you got any spirits or beer?" asked the men.

"No," said Owen; "but we have found some casks of water, which are of
far more value."

This remark created a further laugh, and all united in inviting Mike to
join them.

"Do not you be persuaded," said Owen. "In a short time, when the liquor
is gone, they will be sorry that they exhausted it so soon."

The mate had not spoken, indeed he lay on the ground inside the tent in
a worse condition than the men.

"It will be impossible to remain with these people," said Owen. "I
propose, therefore, that we go to some distance, out of their sight, and
make a tent for ourselves. We shall find sufficient materials from the
bales of cotton cloth which have been washed up."

Mike and Nat agreed. "But, shure, they've got the iron kettle, and how
are we to cook our mate without that?" exclaimed Mike.

"We must roast our meat, and make use of shells for cups," answered
Owen; "anything would be better than remaining with them."

When the men saw that the two lads and Mike were going away, they
shouted after them to stop, but finding that they were resolute, began
to abuse them, Mike coming in for the largest share of vituperation.
This made his temper rise.

"Arrah! but I'll be afther paying thim off for this," he exclaimed.

"Keep quiet, Mike," said Owen, taking his arm; "you were doing what was
right, and must not mind them."

Mike was at last pacified, and they went on,