n. Meanwhile, let us take the barrel
up to the huts and open it, and see if the contents are what we hope
them to be, and whether they have been reached by the sea-water, and
spoiled, or not."

Then, each taking an end of the barrel--which was one of those small
casks called breakers, holding about twelve to fourteen gallons, and
therefore very weighty,--they carried it up to the hut, where they found
Bevan just returned with the remainder of the turtle's eggs. Irwin at
once set to work to remove the bung of the cask, while Roger went into
the hut and fetched out the only small vessel belonging to the little
community, a wooden mug capable of holding somewhere about a pint and a
half.

A few moments more and Irwin said: "Ready, Master Trevose?"

"Yes," replied the lad.

"Then, here you are, sir."

Roger slipped the mug in front of the hole, and caught the liquid in it
as it came gurgling out. He let the mug fill, and then the bung was
returned to its place and driven home with the hammer. So far as colour
and smell were concerned there could be little doubt that the liquor was
brandy, as Irwin had surmised.

Roger was not greatly addicted to the use of spirits, being, indeed,
exceedingly temperate; he therefore considered himself but a poor judge
of its quality. Nevertheless he sipped at the contents of the mug, and,
having tasted, said that, so far as he could tell, the stuff was good
spirit enough, and at any rate he was certain that it had not been got
at by the salt water. Bevan and Irwin then each took a taste--a pretty
long taste it was too, for they returned the mug to Roger empty,--both
pronouncing it to be the finest brandy of France that had ever passed
their lips. They, being seamen, would have very much liked some more;
but Roger pointed out that the spirit must be regarded as medicine only,
and must be carefully conserved for use as such if ever any of
themselves should be taken ill. The men fortunately had sense enough to
see that Roger was right in what he said, and agreed to the liquor being
kept for use in case of necessity.

It was now time to prepare the next meal, and this was done; a perfect
feast of eggs, turtle steaks, bread, and turtle soup constituting the
"spread". Evans was again aroused, and given a few spoonfuls of the
soup, with a liberal allowance of brandy in it. He seemed too dazed to
enquire where all this nourishing and wholesome food had come from, but
managed to sw