r, firing at every
crocodile that showed itself, the presence of the men at work upon the
muddy exposed shore proving an irresistible attraction during the first
part of the time. But so many had been sent writhing and lashing the
water, to float down-stream, that at last they began to grow shy, and
the sportsmen were enabled to direct some of their charges of small shot
at specimens of beautiful birds that came within range, as well as at
the abundant waterfowl--ducks and geese--that gathered morning and
evening to feed, but often to become food for the hideous reptiles that
lurked beneath the trees close in shore.

This latter sport proved highly welcome to the crews of both vessels,
providing as it did a pleasant change of diet after so much salt
provision, for very few fish were caught, consequent upon the way in
which they were persecuted by the reptiles.

"I wish you would join in. I am sure you can shoot well," said Rodd;
but Morny shook his head.

"No," he said; "my father is so anxious to see the brig repaired."

"Yes, I suppose so," said Rodd, "but that wouldn't make any difference.
You can't help."

"No, I cannot help," replied the lad, "and I should like to be with you
all the time, but I can't leave his side. It would seem so hard if I
didn't stay with him to share his anxiety."

"Well, but you might have a few shots at the crocodiles. That's helping
to protect the men who are at work."

"True," replied Morny, smiling. "But you two are such clever shots.
You can do all that. Don't ask me again, please."

Rodd was silent.

But during the long dark evenings in that grand and solitary reach of
the river, which looked as if it had never been visited by human beings
before, there would have been most enjoyable times had not the Count
seemed so preoccupied and thoughtful. Still it had become the custom
that there should be a constant interchange of courtesies between the
occupants of the two vessels, the sailors thoroughly fraternising, while
their superiors alternately dined together upon schooner or brig, and a
thorough rivalry sprang up between the English and French cooks as to
who should provide the best meals for officers and men.

"I should like for us to make an excursion right up the river as far as
we could go in the boats," said Rodd one evening, to his French
companion. "Uncle wants to go."

"Then why don't you?" said Morny. "You have plenty of time," he added,
with a sigh, "for