found a number of hooks of all sizes, together with some fine line, so
that he might go out fishing as soon as he had time. Several of the
bales consisted of cotton or linen cloth, and another prize was a box
belonging to one of the officers, which contained clothes, shoes, some
nautical instruments, a spyglass, and several books, which, although
they were in French, were better than none at all, as he might by their
means teach himself that language.

Having collected all the wood which had drifted ashore from the wreck,
he dragged it up by means of his tackle, and he had soon enough to build
a small hut. He lost no time in making a commencement. The tropical
rains, he thought, might soon begin, and it was important to get under
shelter before then. He settled to build his hut in such a way that he
might increase its size as he could procure more materials. At present
his plan was to build the frame of drift wood, and then to cover it over
with planks, for which he might cut down trees and saw them up into
boards.

For some time, however, his progress was slow, as he was compelled to
look out for provisions. For this purpose he had to form several more
traps, as sometimes whole days passed without those he had at first set
catching a bird. Neptune paid him another visit, and he sent a second
pigeon by the dog to Lord Reginald. Remembering that several articles
had been thrown up on the beach of the smaller bay on which Lord
Reginald had been cast, he thought that he would ascertain if there were
any things worth having among them. He set off, therefore, armed with a
stick for this purpose. He was going along the beach, eagerly looking
out for whatever he could draw on shore, when he saw Lord Reginald
engaged in burying the midshipman.

The coldness with which his overtures were received made him determine
to leave Lord Reginald to his own devices.

"He'll soon find out how well he can get on alone," he said to himself,
and turning on his heel he went back to his hut. "If the foolish fellow
chooses to starve, there's no reason why the poor dog should. If he
comes, I'll do my best to feed him, at all events."

Dick had now plenty of work before him. His spirits rose as he laboured
away, and he made good progress with his hut. It was almost fit for
occupation. As long as he could procure nourishing food without
difficulty, he devoted himself without interruption to the work.
Neptune paid his visits a