uired flour and vegetables, and our small stock of tea
and sugar was diminishing. We had also made Marian's hut tolerably
comfortable, and the rest of the party were content to sleep in the open
air. Thoroughly trusting our faithful Camo, we consulted him as to the
possibility of obtaining fresh supplies from home, especially of such
things as Marian chiefly required. He answered that he would do
everything we wished, but he again warned us of the danger we might
incur of being discovered.

"Oh, do not let any risk be run for me!" exclaimed Marian. "I would
infinitely rather go without any luxuries, than feel that our friends
had to incur any danger to obtain them. All I wish to ascertain is, how
poor papa is getting on."

"We will wait, at all events," said Uncle Paul. "If we find that no
vessel approaches the coast, we must try and obtain a boat from the
shore. It will not be safe, however, to go off in her without an ample
stock of provisions and water, as some days may pass before we succeed
in getting on board a vessel to carry us to the mainland or to one of
the islands."

Our chief object for the present was, therefore, according to Uncle
Paul's advice, to obtain the provisions he thought necessary; while
every day, as before, Camo and the other natives went out to watch for
the approach of those who might be sent in search of us.

One evening one of the two men came back reporting that all was safe,
but Camo had not returned. Arthur and I had gone some little distance
from our retreat, with our guns, when we caught sight of a person among
the trees stealing towards us. We were convinced, by the cautious way
in which he approached, that it was not Camo. We accordingly concealed
ourselves; for had we retreated, the stranger would probably have
observed us. As he drew nearer to us, we were convinced, by the way he
looked about in every direction, that he by some means or other knew we
had taken refuge in the neighbourhood. When he stopped at length, a
short distance off, we recognised one of my father's servants--a
half-caste named Jose. He was not a man in whom we had ever placed much
confidence, though he was an industrious, hardworking fellow; and we
were, therefore, doubtful whether we should speak to him, or endeavour
to keep concealed. Still, we were both anxious to gain tidings from
home; and we thought it probable that my father had sent him with a
message for us. It was evident, indeed,