r with ivy-shaped
leaves.

The fruit proved even more refreshing than water, and enabled them to
march on for several hours during the night. This they did in the hopes
of reaching some clump of trees the next day before the sun had attained
its greatest height. At last, overcome with fatigue, they were
compelled to camp on the open prairie without afire. They were afraid
of lighting one lest it should ignite the grass. After a few hours'
rest they again moved on. Already the sun had risen and every moment it
was gaining strength, when they saw before them a grove of palm trees
rising out of the plain. Although they hastened their steps and went on
for some time, they still seemed a long way off, but happily they found
an abundance of water melons, which quenched their thirst. Without them
they must have perished. They were also getting very hungry, and in the
open country no honey or nuts were to be procured, nor did birds come
near them. A flight of parrots passed over their heads, but too high up
for a shot, Billy was crying out that he should die, when a herd of
buffaloes were seen scampering across the plain towards them.

"Down, down!" cried the two Papuans; "dey no see us den."

The whole party hid themselves in the tall grass, with their rifles
ready for action. There seemed great likelihood, however, that the
buffaloes would trample them to death as they came rushing furiously on
not dreaming of danger. The leading animals were close upon them when
Nick and Pipes jumped up and waved their hands, shouting loudly at the
same time. This turned the herd slightly, and as they swept by the
animals presented a good shot, when their concealed foes, Tom and
Gerald, fired, and two young bulls rolled over. The rest were not so
successful, and before the first two who had fired had time to re-load,
the herd were out of range. The two buffaloes shot were, however, more
than sufficient for their wants, and in an instant Casey and Peter,
aided by the Papuans, were engaged with their long knives in flaying the
two beasts, and cutting off such pieces of flesh as they could carry.
Here was a supply of food which would last them as long as it would keep
good. The midshipmen did not fancy eating it raw, but the rest of the
party were not so fastidious, and cut off favourite bits, which they
clapped into their mouths with evident satisfaction. They were, in
consequence, better able to bear their loads of meat than