ielded a poor
return, and others of the savages therefore prepare to explore the
kelp-bed--the reef being now above water.

Presently, enough of it is bare to afford footing, and off go the
shell-gatherers in their canoes, taking the dogs along with them. For
these are starving, too, and must forage for themselves. This they do
most effectually, running hither and thither over the reef, stopping now
and then to detach a mussel or limpet from its beard-fastening to the
rock, crunch the shell between their teeth, and swallow the contents.

The Fuegian dogs are also trained to procure food for their masters in a
manner which one of them is now seen to put into practice. On the more
outlying ledges some sea-fowl, themselves seeking food, still linger
fearlessly. Engrossed in their grubbing, they fail to note that an
enemy is near--a little cock-eared cur, that has swum up to the ledge,
and, without bark or yelp, is stealthily crawling toward it. Taking
advantage of every coign of concealment, the dog creeps on till, at
length, with a bound, like a cat springing at a sparrow, it seizes the
great seabird, and kills it in a trice, as a fox would a pheasant.

The shell-gatherers remain on the reef till the rising water forces them
to quit. But their industry meets with less reward than was
anticipated, and they return to the shore all out of sorts and enraged
at the white people, whom they now look upon in the light of
trespassers; for they know that to them is due the scarcity of bivalves
among the kelp, where they had expected to reap a plentiful harvest.
Proof of its having been already garnered is seen in a heap of recently
emptied shells lying under the trees near by--a little kitchen midden of
itself.

Luckily the Fuegians have found enough to satisfy their immediate wants,
so neither on that day nor the next do they make further display of
violence, though always maintaining a sullen demeanour. Indeed, it is
at all times difficult to avoid quarrelling with them, and doubtful how
long the patched-up truce may continue. The very children are
aggressive and exacting, and ever ready to resent reproof, even when
caught in the act of pilfering--a frequent occurrence. Any tool or
utensil left in their way would soon be a lost chattel, as the little
thieves know they have the approval of their elders.

So, apart from their anxieties about the future, the white people find
it a time of present trouble. They, too, m