more; at the same
time, they would have prevented the increase of roots which would
otherwise have afforded nourishment.

"As hogs live here, there, are probably acorns and nuts of various
sorts, so that even should the cocoa-nuts and bananas run short, we need
be under no apprehension of wanting vegetable diet," said Tom to
Desmond. "Again I say we have good reason to be thankful that we have
landed on an island so abounding in provisions."

"I wish we had brought off some tea, coffee, and sugar," said Billy. "I
should have enjoyed my breakfast much more."

"Be thankful for what you have got," observed Tom.

Before setting out to commence the digging up of the boat, Tom suggested
that they should form some rough spades, without which the operation
would be a very tedious one. They had fortunately brought with them two
axes for cutting fire-wood, and with these Jerry and Pat managed to chop
out from the fallen branches six rough spades. They would have finished
them off in better style had Tom allowed them. Having ascertained the
exact position of the boat, by running down a pointed stick, they
commenced operations. They were much surprised at the enormous pit they
had to dig before they even reached the gunwale of the boat. The
digging was easy enough; the labour consisted in heaving the sand to a
sufficient distance. All hands were getting very hungry. Billy, as
usual, was the first to cry out.

"What do you say to dinner, Rogers?"

Tom looked at his watch, and directed Pat to go to the camp and prepare
dinner, while the rest continued to work as before. It took them till
noon to clear away the sand as far down as the gunwale, as of course it
was necessary to dig a much wider space all round the boat than simply
her width. The sun, too, had now become excessively hot, and the only
coverings they had for their heads were straw hats.

Tom suggested that they should stick some large leaves or small branches
into the bands, by which means a more effectual shelter could be formed
for their heads. In spite of the heat, they returned with good
appetites to the camp.

"Bedad, it's fortunate we have got anything to eat at all," exclaimed
Pat, as they approached. "Just as I came up, what should I see but a
couple of porkers poking their noses into the tent; in another minute
they would have got hold of the meat and fish I had hung up ready for
cooking. I would have turned them into pork pretty quickly, b