len into the hands of the natives,
whose encampment or place of abode, (temporary or otherwise), was on the
north-eastern side of the island. He further supposed that some feud or
quarrel having arisen among themselves, the worsted party had fled along
the beach as we had witnessed, pursued by their victorious enemies,--
that in the meantime, their captives had been left, (perhaps unguarded),
at the encampment or landing-place of the natives. Morton was as minute
and detailed in stating this hypothetical case, as if he had either
actually seen or dreamed the whole. He proposed that as soon as the
moon rose, some of us should set off for the shore, and proceed along
the beach, in the direction from which we had seen the natives come, by
pursuing which course, he was confident we should be able to learn
something respecting our companions. This he wished to undertake alone,
saying that one person could prosecute the search as well as four, and
with much less risk of discovery: if successful in ascertaining any
thing definite, he should, he said, immediately return and apprise the
rest of us. Max eagerly embraced this suggestion, and wished to decide
by lot, which of us should carry it into execution, insisting that,
otherwise, he would either set off at once by himself, or accompany
Morton.

At length Browne awoke; he said that he had derived much benefit from
his two hours' sleep, and was now ready for any necessary exertion.

He also approved of Morton's plan, but objected to his going alone, and
was at first in favour of setting out all together. At last it was
settled that the search should be undertaken by two of us, the other two
awaiting the result at the islet. Browne then prepared four twigs for
the purpose of deciding the matter by lot, it being agreed that the one
drawing the longest, should have the choice of going or remaining, and
should also select his companion. On comparing lots after we had drawn,
mine proved to be longest; and having decided upon going, I felt bound
to name Morton as my associate, since he had been the first to suggest,
and the most earnest in urging the adventure.

An hour after dark the moon rose, and soon lighted the forest
sufficiently to enable us to see our way through it. We then armed
ourselves with a cutlass apiece, and taking leave of Max and Browne,
proceeded up the brook to the fall, where we crossed it, and, following
the rocky ridge, which ran at right angles wi