iam, the _blazing_
will direct us how to go back again; but it will not tell us what course
we are now to steer. At present, I know we are going right, as I can
see through the wood behind us; but by and by we shall not be able, and
then I must make use of the compass."

"I understand that very well; but tell me, Ready, why do you bring the
spade with us--what will be the use of it? You did not say yesterday
that you were going to bring me."

"No, William, I did not, as I did not like to make your mother anxious;
but the fact is, I am very anxious myself as to whether there is any
water on this island; if there is not, we shall have to quit it sooner
or later, for although we may get water by digging in the sand, it would
be too brackish to use for any time, and would make us all ill. Very
often there will be water if you dig for it, although it does not show
above-ground; and therefore I brought the spade."

"You think of everything, Ready."

"No, I do not, William; but, in our present situation, I think of more
things than perhaps your father and mother would: they have never known
what it is to be put to their shifts; but a man like me, who has been
all his life at sea, and who has been wrecked, and suffered hardships
and difficulties, and has been obliged to think or die, has a greater
knowledge, not only from his own sufferings, but by hearing how others
have acted when they were in distress. Necessity sharpens a man's wits;
and it is very curious what people do contrive when they are compelled
to do so, especially seamen."

"And where are we going to now, Ready?"

"Right to the leeward side of the island."

"Why do you call it the leeward side of the island?"

"Because among these islands the winds almost always blow one way; we
landed on the windward side; the wind is at our back; now put up your
finger, and you will feel it even among the trees."

"No, I cannot," replied William, as he held up his finger.

"Then wet your finger, and try again."

William wet his finger, and held it up again. "Yes, I feel it now,"
said he; "but why is that?"

"Because the wind blows against the wet, and you feel the cold."

As Ready said this the dogs growled, then started forward and barked.

"What can be there?" cried William.

"Stand still, William," replied Ready, cocking his gun, "and I will go
forward to see." Ready advanced cautiously with the gun to his hip.
The dogs barked more furiously; and at la