tisfied, however, that the
forest and the water would supply us with an abundance of food.

"We shall have, however, no little difficulty in replacing our
clothing," I observed; "though, as fortunately Marian's box has been
saved, she will be better off than any of us."

"I don't despair of being able to manufacture clothing sufficient for
our wants," said Uncle Paul,--"shoes, hats, and cloaks; but we must take
to kilts when our trousers give way. We shall have, to be sure,
somewhat the appearance of savages; but I hope that our manners will not
become less civilised in consequence."

"I can easily fancy how we can make dresses of leaves, or even of
matting," said Arthur; "but how do you propose to manufacture shoes,
unless we capture some wild beasts and tan their skins?"

"I propose to make shoes of a vegetable substance," answered Uncle Paul.
"I have already seen some trees which produce it, and I have no doubt
that we shall find others near our settlement. Every sailor knows how
to make hats from grass or leaves; and the rest of our dresses must be
made, as you suppose, of matting. Depend on it we shall have plenty of
occupation when once we get on shore, in order to supply our
necessities; and we may be thankful for it, as it will prevent us from
dwelling unduly on our past misfortunes, or on the dangers and
difficulties we may have yet to encounter."

"I wish we were on shore, then," I exclaimed; "for I cannot help
thinking of the past, and on the dangers which may yet be in store for
us."

"Rouse up, Guy," exclaimed Uncle Paul. "Your wish will soon be
realised; for see yonder hut on the shore, and the captain and Peter
standing ready to welcome us."

We urged on our raft, and our friends beckoned to us to come to a part
of the bank where we could most easily land. We made for it, and soon
reached the shore. The captain and his mate Peter were standing ready
to secure the raft.

"Welcome, friends, welcome to our new province of _terra firma_,"
exclaimed the former in a hearty tone, as he grasped Uncle Paul's hand.
Then stooping down, he lifted Marian in his arms and placed her safely
on the beach, exclaiming--"And you, my pretty maid, I am rejoiced to see
you safe after all the perils you have gone through."

"Indeed I am very thankful to have arrived here," answered Marian; "for
I feared that we should never see you again." She had not before this
said a word about the alarm she must have consta