until they reached a part
of the bank considerably higher than that where they had left their
companions.

By means of some spars they set up a framework which was easily covered
by several folds of cotton cloth, so that in a short time they had a
very comfortable tent. They then collected wood for a fire, rolled up
one of the casks of water, and got together some of the provisions they
had just discovered.

Mike, however, continued to sigh for the fish-kettle.

"We must manage to do without it, at all events for the present," said
Owen; "perhaps to-morrow you will find something which will answer the
purpose. Here we shall have to remain until the men have drunk up all
the spirits and beer, and then perhaps they will regain their senses,
and steps may be taken to enable us to escape."

They could just distinguish the top of their shipmates' tent, but their
own being low, would not, they hoped, be observed, and they should thus
escape molestation from any of the tipsy crew. That their fire might
not be seen at night, Owen proposed to put it out.

"We'll not do chat, Mr Hartley," said Mike. "We'll just scrape the
ashes into a hole, and put a little wood on them, and the fire will keep
in until to-morrow morning, and so it will be ready for lighting, and
save our matches."

As long as there was sufficient light they continued their search along
the beach, and were rewarded by discovering a case which contained,
among other articles, fish-hooks and lines. This was indeed a prize,
for undoubtedly fish swarmed along the shore, and they might catch
enough to supply themselves with food for an indefinite period. Still,
Owen recollected that unless water was found they must perish.

There was little chance of rain falling at that season of the year, and
if it did, they had but scanty means for securing it. Still he
endeavoured to overcome any gloomy anticipations about the future, and
endeavoured to be prepared for all contingencies. Thus several days
passed by. The party at the large tent continued their revels, as Owen
discovered when going in that direction by hearing their voices singing
and shouting; occasionally, too, from the noises which reached him, he
suspected that they were quarrelling and fighting.

At last Nat proposed that they should launch the boat, and try and make
their escape from the island.

"There are several reasons against our so doing," answered Owen. "In
the first place, the boat