ropose that we commence a less ambitious
structure." He began to trace upon the ground with a pointed stick, the
oval outline of what he called a `Tihitian fare.' "But even for my
fare," he added, "we shall need the means of cutting down a number of
good-sized trees."

"Of which we are entirely destitute," said Max, with an air of triumph,
"and I don't see but that we shall have to wait for my ship after all."

"Not so," answered Arthur, "for I think that two or three of the
cutlasses may be converted into tolerable saws, with which, by dint of a
little patience, we can get out as many posts and rafters as will be
requisite for the frame of our building, though I admit it will be
tedious work."

Johnny heaved a profound sigh at the prospect of the difficulties that
lay in the way of his pet project of house-building, and wished that
"that old magician who built the castle with a thousand windows for
Aladdin, in a single night, would only be clever enough to lend us his
assistance." But upon second thought, he concluded that there would be
"no fun" in having our house ready-made for us, and magnanimously
declared that if he had the wonderful lamp in his hands that minute,
with full power to summon up the obedient genius, and set him to work,
he would not do it.

"I hope you would make him supply us with a few good axes, Johnny, at
least," said Browne.

But Johnny was disposed to be very self-denying and high-minded; he did
not think he ought to do it; we should take a great deal more pleasure
in our house if we made it ourselves, without any magical assistance of
any kind.

"Now, that you mention axes," said Morton, "it occurs to me that there
is an old hatchet-head among the rubbish in the locker of the yawl, and
though it is a good deal battered and worn, it could be fitted with a
handle and made useful."

We all now remembered having seen it, though no one had before thought
of it. Arthur suggested that we should make an excursion to Palm-Islet
as soon as the heat of the day was over, and the sea-breeze had set in,
for the purpose of getting the hatchet, and bringing the boat round to
the side of the island where we intended to fix our residence, as we
might have occasion for its use. "We can get there before dark," said
he, "and pass the night once more at our old quarters on the little
island; then we can row back in the fresh of the morning, before
sunrise, and be ready to commence our building in ear