st, out of a heap of cocoa-nut
leaves collected together, burst all the pigs which had been brought on
shore, grunting and galloping away as fast as they could, with the dogs
in pursuit of them.

"It's only the pigs," said Ready, smiling; "I never thought I should be
half-frightened by a tame pig. Here, Romulus! here, Remus! come back!"
continued Ready, calling to the dogs. "Well, William, this is our first
adventure."

"I hope we shall not meet with any one more dangerous," replied William,
laughing; "but I must say that I was alarmed."

"No wonder; for, although not likely, it is possible there may be wild
animals on this island, or even savages; but being alarmed is one thing,
and being afraid is another: a man may be alarmed, and stand his ground;
but a man that is afraid will run away."

"I do not think I shall ever run away and leave you, Ready, if there is
danger."

"I'm sure you will not; but still you must not be rash; and now we will
go on again, as soon as I have uncocked my gun. I have seen more
accidents happen from people cocking their guns, and forgetting to
uncock them afterwards, than you can have any idea of. Recollect, also,
until you want to fire, never cock your gun."

Ready and William continued their way through the cocoa-nut grove for
more than an hour longer, marking the trees as they went along; they
then sat down to take their breakfast.

"Don't give the dogs any water, William, nor any of the salt meat; give
them biscuit only."

"But they are very thirsty; may not I give them a little?"

"No: we shall want it all ourselves, in the first place; and, in the
next, I wish them to be thirsty. And, William, take my advice, and only
drink a small quantity of water at a time. The more you drink, the more
you want."

"Then I should not eat so much salt meat."

"Very true; the less you eat the better, unless we find water, and fill
our bottles again."

"But we have our axes, and can always cut down a cocoa-nut, and get the
milk from the young nuts."

"Very true; and fortunate it is that we have that to resort to; but
still we could not do very well on cocoa-nut milk alone, even if it were
to be procured all the year round. Now we will go on if you do not feel
tired."

"Not in the least; I am tired of seeing nothing but the stems of
cocoa-nut trees, and shall be glad when we are through the wood."

"Then the faster we walk the better," said Ready; "as far as I can
judge, we m