is
region.

What had become of our father and the brave skipper, Jan van Dunk, we
could not tell. Uncle Paul did his utmost to keep up our spirits,
setting us the example by his cheerfulness, and by showing his perfect
confidence in Providence.

We had, as I have said, a supply of food; but how to cook it? was the
question. Kallolo declared there would be no danger in lighting a fire
in the fork of the tree, provided we did not allow it to burn longer
than was necessary, and kept a watch to prevent its extending up the
bark on either side. Uncle Paul always carried a small tinder-box and
matches, so that we could at once obtain a light. We accordingly
collected a supply of dry branches, of which there was an abundance
attached to the various parts of the trees. Kallolo again set off,
taking my wand and noose; and by the time the fire had been lighted and
had burned up sufficiently, he returned with several birds, adding
considerably to our stock of provisions. They were all quickly plucked
and spitted, and we were soon busily engaged in cooking them. Tim
insisted on dressing his frogs, and Sambo the lizard he had caught, both
declaring that they would prove more tender than the birds. How they
might have appeared had they been put into a pot and boiled, I cannot
say; as it was, they certainly presented an unattractive appearance.
Some large leaves served us as plates, and we had to use our fingers
instead of knives and forks; but notwithstanding, we made a very hearty
meal. I tasted part of the hind leg of one of the frogs, and I
certainly should not have known it from a tender young chicken cooked in
the same way. Kallolo in his last trip had brought down a few more
figs, one of which he presented to each of us as a dessert. Tim
declared that the banquet would have been perfect if we could have had a
little of the "cratur," or, in the absence of it, a cup of hot coffee.
We had to quench our thirst with some of the very turbid water
surrounding us, which we brought up in our hats.

The day passed far more rapidly than I could have supposed possible.
The storm had completely subsided, but the waters in no way lessened;
indeed, they were slightly higher than on the previous night. Uncle
Paul advised that we should all look out for sleeping-places, where we
might rest without the danger of tumbling off. Our first care was to
find one for Marian. A mass of sepos hung down and formed a regular
hammock close