penguins, I have no doubt," exclaimed the doctor. "Though
they themselves are not very palatable food, their eggs, if any remain
unhatched, will afford us some substantial meals. We shall not starve
if we can get at them."

The sun was very hot, and there was a great demand for water; but the
doctor would only serve out half-a-gill to each person. He knew full
well that in a short time the last drops would be reached, and that then
their suffering, hitherto but moderate, would be greatly increased. The
wind fell, and once more the oars were got out. As the rock was
approached, it was evident that too much surf was breaking on it to
allow of landing on that side. The boat was therefore rowed round it;
and after coasting along the shore for a short distance, a small
sheltered cove was found, into which they gladly ran. For the first
time for many a day the wanderers at length stepped on firm ground. The
ladies were first assisted to land, but they could with difficulty walk,
after being cramped up for so long a time.

"I am afraid the island will afford but short rambles," observed Harry;
"but we need fear no savages or wild animals."

"The first thing to look out for, boys, is water," exclaimed the doctor;
"though, by the appearance of these rocks, it may be a hard matter to
find."

While the females of the party preferred remaining near the little cove,
the rest rambled away in search of the much-desired fluid. The doctor
had taken his rifle, and Willy, by his direction, carried an axe in his
belt, and a spar sharpened at the end.

"You observe, Dicey," said the doctor, "if we come upon any soft place,
we shall, by driving this spar into it, more readily ascertain whether
water is below."

They had not gone far, however, before they saw how slight was the
probability of discovering water. There might be some trifling rivulet
formed by the melting snow, but hitherto not a trace of moisture had
been seen on the hard dry rock. They were climbing the rocks when,
having passed a deep fissure, they saw before them a vast array of
strange-looking birds perched on the crags above their heads.

"Come, Willy," cried the doctor, "we must have some of these fellows at
once."

Directly they were seen, the birds set up a loud concert of squeaking,
squalling, and gabbling. The doctor shouted to Willy to come on, but so
overpowering were the cries that he could not hear what was said. Each
bird appeared to be end