observed Arthur. "It seemed to
me that by chipping or grinding them, sharp edges might be formed so as
to serve either for wedges or perhaps even for axes."

"They will form axes, though some labour will be required to sharpen
them," exclaimed the captain. "We could then easily fix them in
handles; and they will be of the greatest use, if not for cutting down
the trees, at all events for scoring the trunks for the wedges, and for
smoothing the planks when split. You must search for some more of the
same character; and if you find them, as I have no doubt you will, we
shall all have tools, and be able to make rapid progress."

The three Indians at once undertook not only to put handles to the
hammers, but to sharpen the stones intended for axeheads.

"It will take some time," observed Kallolo; "but in our country we do
not think much of time, and patience overcomes all difficulties."

"We must not, however, forget the necessity of finding provisions for
our settlement," observed Uncle Paul. "Kallolo has undertaken to supply
us, if he can find time to form a blowpipe; it will be wise, I think, to
allow him to do so before he attempts to execute any other work."

The captain agreed to this, and begged that Kallolo would endeavour to
find the materials for the instrument he proposed to make.

The Indian's eye brightened. "Yes, yes, I will start to-morrow
morning," he said. "I will search also for the ingredients for the
poison, without which the blowpipe would be of little use. In the
meantime I will labour at the hammers and axes, which Maco and Polo may
complete while I am employed at the zabatana."

Marian, on seeing all the rest of the party busy, begged that she also
might have something to do. "I will gladly act as cook for you, though,
unfortunately, I am very little acquainted with the art; but with some
hints from Sambo, I may in time become proficient."

"I think we may find pleasanter employment than that for you, my little
maid," said the captain. "Some of us are in want of hats, and we shall
require a large amount of matting to serve as bedding and clothing, and
also to form sails for our vessel. I have thought that if you and your
father, assisted by your brother Guy, would turn your attention to the
matter, you would render great service to our little community."

Marian said she should be delighted; and my father and I at once
expressed our readiness to become plaiters and weavers, and to g