hed the bow we shall have plenty. In the mean time, we must
get a supply of those eggs we found the other day." He tried, as he
spoke, to rise. With some exertion he got on his feet, but felt
scarcely able to walk. Taking his stick, however, he managed to totter
out of the cave. The fresh air of the early morning somewhat revived
him, and, followed by Neptune, he made his way towards the curious mound
in which he had found the eggs. He felt very giddy, and could scarcely
drag his legs along. The necessity of obtaining food, however,
compelled him to proceed. Nep kept by his side, looking up into his
face, and wondering why he didn't move faster. He had great difficulty
in climbing to the top of the mound, and nearly sank down in the
attempt. At length he succeeded, when Nep ran forward and began
scratching away as he had done before. Lord Reginald, sinking to the
ground, watched him. "It appears to me as if some one has visited the
place since I was last here," he thought.

Nep continued scratching away, but no eggs appeared. As Nep at length
enlarged the hole, three eggs were disclosed to sight. Lord Reginald
broke one of them, and cast it from him with disgust, for it contained a
nearly formed bird. Nep, not being so particular as his master,
supposing it was intended for him, without ceremony at once gobbled it
up. The second and the third egg were in the same condition. Nep took
them also as his share, and afterwards went on scratching away,
apparently hoping to find more. Lord Reginald was too weak to help him.

"That fellow Hargrave has been here, and carried off all the sound eggs,
leaving only these few for the sake of tantalising me," he exclaimed in
a bitter tone.

After Neptune had scratched over the whole top of the mound, Lord
Reginald, finding that he had no chance of obtaining any eggs from it,
made his way with tottering steps towards the fountain, at which he and
Neptune, as usual, quenched their thirst. It seemed to him, that he
could never drink enough to allay the burning fever which raged within
him. Neptune ranged about, and showed a great inclination to set off in
the direction of Richard Hargrave's hut, but Lord Reginald called him
back, jealous of the regard he paid to his rival.

"If you play me that trick, master Nep, I shall tie you up. Remember, I
will have no paying court to that fellow," he cried out.

The dog came back with his tail between his legs, looking as if