s, roamed about the island. The Zulus had found some
pieces of wood on the beach, evidently the spars of some vessel, and
having borrowed a knife from one of the sailors, they had cut these into
knobbed sticks similar to their knob-kerries. With these they soon
exhibited their skill against the birds which swarmed over many parts of
the island, and which were so tame that they would allow a man to
approach within a few yards of them. The knob stick was thrown at these
birds, and in an hour the Zulus had knocked down a dozen or more birds.

As the sun drew near the horizon, the various parties of two or three
returned to the meeting-place near the boats, and exhibited their
trophies. Two moderate-sized turtle, four rock cod of goodly size, a
large sack nearly full of turtles' eggs, about two dozen sea-birds, some
of them as large as wild geese, were brought together. There was plenty
of dry sea-weed, and this served for fuel, so that the men were busily
occupied in cooking their respective prizes, and reckless as sailors
generally are, they were now as cheerful and happy as though surrounded
by plenty, and able to obtain a supply for all their wants. Immediately
after their evening meal, the men selected the most comfortable
situations, and were soon fast asleep.

Hans and the lieutenant, however, sat talking for a long time, until
they also felt disposed to rest, when they followed the example of the
sailors.

The first streaks of dawn awoke the party, and after a meal the
lieutenant and Hans walked round the island, and ascended the central
peak. Scarcely had they been there many minutes, before the naval
officer, who was using his telescope to scan the horizon, exclaimed, "A
sail in the west, and a large ship, or I am mistaken. Look, Jones!
What do you make her out to be?"

"A full-rigged ship, I think, sir. Shall I hoist the signal?"

"Yes, up with the oar. We must get the boats out at once, and pull
hard, or she will pass too far off."

The oar waved on high, with a crimson handkerchief fastened to it, was
seen by all the wanderers, who very soon assembled near the boats, and
were joined by the lieutenant and Hans. The boats were run down to the
water, launched, and manned, and in a few minutes were pulled away from
the island, impelled by the fresh and vigorous arms of the sailors, who
were now aware that there was some object in pulling. The ship, which
had been easily distinguished from the peak