r, which only made it more intolerable. None of us,
indeed, after a trial, had been able to get a morsel past our
swollen tonsils. But I had a boxful of matches in my trouser pocket,
half-emptied: and, as it turned out, Farrell had preserved another.
So in this most vital necessary we were well supplied. Therefore,
when Farrell, with the dog at his heels, came back along the shore,
holding up two cray-fish that he had taken in a rock-pool at the turn
of the tide, I tossed the gobbets of pork overboard to desecrate the
clear depth. Indeed, apart from fish and fowl, I had seen as we
neared the island that we had no fear of starving: for an abundance
of cocos and palms grew all around the ridge of the crater and had
but to be climbed for as soon as we found strength. The tool-chest
contained a saw and a hatchet.

"It also contained an engineering-tool, part pick, part digger.
I handed it to Farrell, and he understood. 'But first,' said I,
'let's make a fire and fill the pot. There's a plenty of small dead
wood everywhere, and we're too weak just yet to heave this gear any
distance up the slope before sunset. We'd best light a fire here;
and when we have it started, I'll mount the slope some little way
where I see a plenty of limes growing. I may go some way farther, to
prospect. The smoke of the fire ought to attract the attention of
these very careless islanders; and if they turn out to be unfriendly,
well, I have my revolver and you'll have ample warning to clear off
to the boat.'

"'Savages?' muttered Farrell. 'I never thought of that. . . . Go you
up, if you will, and take the dog for company. You can leave me to
light the fire, and--'tisn't a request I've dared to make to you
since God knows when--but if you've any pity anywhere in your bowels,
just now I'd like to be alone.'

"'I haven't,' said I: 'but I have some sense in my head, and I'm
going to prospect. I'll leave you at anchor here for an hour or so.'

"I whistled to the dog, and the dog, after long hesitation and having
been thrice shoo'd in my wake by Farrell, followed. But he hung some
twenty yards behind, and showed no sign of desire to lead me to the
people to whom he belonged. By and by he came to a dead halt and,
for all my whistling and calling, broke back for the beach again and
disappeared at a gallop. . . .

"I held my ascent, still beside the downward-pouring stream, and on
my way noted fruit-bearing trees in plenty. I reached