set off to examine the
boats and huts. It was a long walk round to where the huts were; as we
expected, we found them empty. The boats were in tolerable condition;
and though they had not, we judged, been used for several months, were
still serviceable. Without tools, however, we could not repair even one
of them sufficiently to enable us to continue our voyage. While
examining the huts, we discovered an iron pot, which was likely to prove
of the greatest value to us. Rip immediately set to work to scrape it
clean. On our way back we filled it with water. The rest of the day
was spent in pulling to pieces the wreck of the boat, and carrying them
up to the spot we had selected for our habitation, which we preferred to
those we had discovered near the boats.

"As soon as we had finished our pork, which lasted us for ten days or
more, we set off in search of a kid, which we felt sure Snarley would
help us to catch. We were not disappointed, though its poor mother
fought bravely in its defence. As she stopped until we got up, we
captured her also, and soon managed to tame her sufficiently to afford
us milk. We spent our time in improving our habitation, in hunting a
goat when we wanted one, and in collecting sorrel, which enabled us to
make some tolerable broth. Salt we got in abundance from the crevices
of the rocks, and manufactured spoons out of drift-wood, and wooden
platters and cups. We also brought materials from the other huts to
improve our own. I think you'll say, when you see it, that it is a very
respectable abode for a couple of bachelors. I own that very often I
longed for a loaf of soft tack and a glass of something stronger than
water. I managed to keep myself and Rip constantly employed.

"While rummaging about in the huts during one of our early visits, he
discovered in a corner a bag containing a palm and sail needle, and
nearly a dozen fishing-hooks and other articles. The hooks were likely
to prove of great value. We immediately twisted some fishing-lines, and
taking a piece of goat's flesh as bait, we scrambled out to the end of a
rock, below which the water was deep, to try our luck. That day we
caught ten fine fish. We had an additional cause to be thankful, for
our health required a change of diet. We no longer had the slightest
apprehension of starving. Still after a few months of this sort of
life, I began to wish to get away. We rigged the flag-staff you saw,
and hoisted th