rd, he does not think it worth while to come so far out of his
course."

On their way back they caught sight of a large number of good-sized
birds perched thickly in a tree, apparently intending to roost there for
the night. Having drawn their bullets, they loaded with small shot, and
firing into the midst of the birds, they brought down a dozen, which
proved to be a species of pigeon.

"We have got something for supper, at all events," cried Desmond as he
ran to pick up the birds and to finish off a few which were still
fluttering on the ground.

Their ill-success in hog-hunting made them determine the next day to go
out fishing in the boat. It need not be said that either Tom or Desmond
paid periodical visits to the flag-staff. So often had they been
disappointed that they at last gave up all expectation of seeing the
ship. Their fishing excursion, though not as successful as the first,
had produced a good supply of fish, some of which they ate fresh and the
rest they dried in the sun and smoked over a wood fire. They had,
however, to keep baling nearly the whole of the time. This satisfied
them that they must caulk the boat before they could venture out to sea
in her. All hands were now busily employed in a variety of ways. Pat
had woven some baskets with long grass, and Billy and Tim, each carrying
one, went out in search of salt, of which they found a plentiful supply
in the hollows of the rocks, close down to the sea.

Tom and Desmond searched in all directions for trees which might yield
pitch or a gum of some description which would serve to pay over the
outside of the boat, but they searched in vain.

"We must find some substitute for pitch, or we cannot accomplish our
voyage, that's very certain," said Tom.

The boat was constantly kept wet; at last they tried sinking her for
several hours together, but her planks would not swell sufficiently to
stop the leaks. They were almost in despair.

"Had we only a good supply of powder, we might live in luxury on fish,
flesh, and fowl, with plenty of vegetables; but without the powder,
should we get a continuance of had weather, we may be reduced to the
vegetable diet," said Desmond, as they were sitting round the fire at
supper.

"As to the hogs, we may be pretty sure of catching them," observed Pat;
"we can soon find out their runs, and by digging pitfalls it won't be
long before a porker will find his way in."

"Then the sooner you can manage to