t up in our retreat that night, with the
entrance carefully closed. Marian had retired to her hut, and our
father to one we had built for him; Jose was lying asleep, or pretending
to be so; while Tim sat up with me, it being my watch,--when we heard a
slight sound, as of persons approaching the spot. The fire was burning
brightly, so that we could easily have been seen by those who might find
their way to the entrance. My anxiety was relieved, however, by the
voice of Uncle Paul; and he soon appeared, followed by Arthur and Camo.

"We have no time to lose," he said, after he had inquired if all had
gone well. "We have been able to purchase a boat; and though she is not
so large as I could wish, she will carry us all. We have brought her
down to the mouth of the river, where she is moored in safety; also some
casks of water, and all the provisions we have been able to procure. We
should embark at once, so as to be away from the land before morning
dawns."

Our father, who had been sleeping lightly, awoke on hearing Uncle Paul's
voice, and he seemed well-satisfied with the arrangements which had been
made. "I am perfectly ready to start, and shall rejoice to get away
from this unhappy country," he added.

I awoke Marian, who was equally ready to start; and we at once set to
work to pack up all the provisions we had collected. With these we
loaded ourselves, Jose taking one of the heaviest packages.

"You will accompany us," said my father to him. "If you have the regard
for me you profess, you will willingly go; and should we hear favourable
accounts of the progress of events in the island, you will be able to
return, should you wish it."

"It is my wish to obey you, senor," answered Jose. "Had it not been for
Senor Guy and Tim, I should have been killed by that dreadful serpent;
and I am thankful to them for saving my life."

"Notwithstanding all he says, I will keep an eye on him," whispered Tim
to me. "If he tries to give us leg-bail, I will be after him, and show
him that I have as good a pair of heels as he has."

We were quickly ready; and having extinguished the fire, to prevent the
risk of it spreading to the forest, we all set out,--Camo leading the
way, Arthur assisting Marion, while Tim and I brought up the rear.

"Stop a moment," said Camo, when we all got outside. "I will close the
entrance, so that no strangers may find it." Putting down his load, he
drew together the bushes amid which w