eutenant directed the man who was
steering, and thus threading his way through thick masses of weed,
approached sufficiently close to the shore to see where the surf was
breaking. Having noted a headland jutting out into the sea, the sailor,
from his knowledge of the general form of coasts, concluded that behind
this he would very probably find a bay, and such proved to be the case.
This bay was covered at the water-line with a white sand, up which the
waves washed; but there seemed no sign of rocks near this, and thus it
appeared in every way suitable for a landing. Steering the boat
carefully round the promontory, the lieutenant made for this beach, and
watching his opportunity ran the boat up, so that as the sailors jumped
out, and seized her to haul her up, they were high and dry as the waves
receded. The second boat, being thus guided, followed the example of
the leader, and was also securely beached, the men jumping out, and
being rejoiced to stretch their legs once more, after being cramped on
board their small boats for so many days.

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX.

GAME FOUND ON THE ISLANDS--WANT OF WATER--WATER AT LAST--SEA-LIONS--FISH
AND EGGS--A SHIP--RESCUED AND CARRIED TO SIMON'S BAY--THE TRAVELLER
AMONG THE COCKNEYS.

"Carry the boats up high and dry," said the lieutenant; "out with the
sails and oars; cover them with the tarpaulin; then get out the water
casks and biscuit bag. Let's see what provisions we have."

These orders were rapidly obeyed by the sailors, who never for a moment
forgot their discipline, and acted just as though they were on board
ship. The water was found to be very low, there being scarcely more
than two pints for each man. At this all looked blank, for so essential
is water that it is a matter of certain death, at least to a great many,
to be without water for many days. Having divided the biscuit into as
many portions as there were men, the lieutenant gave each his share,
saying, "We shall be able to keep this biscuit for any voyage we may
make; for on this island we shall get birds. We can shoot as many birds
as we require for food, so be careful of the biscuit." Whilst these
arrangements were being made, the Zulus had been wandering along the
shore, looking at the ground in various directions, and pointing out to
each other something which had attracted their attention. Returning to
Hans, who alone understood their language, they said, "_Amasondo m'culu
kona_" ("There ar