es; and the cartridges too. Thank you, Ned. I should be glad to get
rid of them. No, you've got your own to carry, and--I say, how do you
feel now? I mean, after your fall."

"Oh, bit stiff, sir. There's nothing broken; but I don't go quite so
well as usual. Shan't be sorry to get back to the yacht. Better give
me your gun, sir."

"Better give me yours to carry, Ned."

"What, sir? Well, 'pon my word, Mr Jack, you do talk. I do wonder at
you."

Just then Jack started, for a hand was laid on his gun.

"Who's that?" he cried.

"Only me, sir--Lenny," said a dark figure behind him. "Let me carry
your gun, and pouch too. I heerd what you said. Take hold of t'other's
weapon, mate," continued the man to the sailor by him, and Jack and his
man tramped the rest of the way relieved of their loads, heartily glad
to hear at last a hail from somewhere away in the darkness.

It came from the boat; and directly after a bright light flashed out
over the calm lagoon, like a star just rising to shine across the sea,
and the men gave a cheer.

"Is that the _Silver Star_, Captain Bradleigh?" said Jack eagerly.

"Yes, my lad. That's better than a figure-head, eh?"

It was extremely beautiful just then, and looked very attractive and
suggestive of rest and a good meal, beside being a guide to them along
the lagoon, the men as they bent to their oars having the straight path
of light to follow right up to the yacht's bows, and soon after the
efforts of the cook and the cheery aspect of everything made Jack forget
his weariness.

"Well, gentlemen," said the captain after their late dinner, "I think
that there ought to be another exploration to the east to-morrow."

"Certainly," said Sir John; "I want to feel that we can go about in
safety."

"I suppose you'll be too tired to go, Jack?" said the doctor.

"Too tired? Didn't I keep up well to-day?" said the lad quickly.

"Capitally; but you look done up."

"I shall be ready in the morning," said Jack shortly.

"Don't attempt too much at first, Jack," said his father.

"Oh no, I will not do that. But I can't be left behind."

There was no need for any question about the matter, for the captain now
joined in the conversation again.

"I propose, Sir John," he said, "that we should have the first cutter
and the gig to-morrow morning, and let the men row gently along the
lagoon, close in shore. It will be a change; we can get along faster,
and land as often as y