t directly, and do not act like an ass."

Away he sailed, and soon landed at the little pier, and was quickly
surrounded by the inhabitants, who took him towards the cottages out of
my sight.

He was gone so long that I became impatient for his return. It almost
seemed as if he had forsaken me; but at length I descried him putting
off again, and soon he landed, wreathed in smiles, happiness beaming
from his eyes. He had settled everything. Father, mother, and daughter
were to come over at sunrise on the 3rd, so as to help us off and take
final instructions.

The 1st and 2nd of September were occupied in taking in ballast, water,
provisions, etc.; in overhauling all the ropes, sails, and gear, and in
making a couple of beds of sacking stuffed with the softest hay we could
get. Then we had to bake and fish, so as to replenish our stock of food.
Fruit had to be gathered, two small kegs filled with water, and finally
the treasure and all my little curiosities to be got aboard.

All this took us till long after dark on the 2nd, so that when Graviot,
his wife, and daughter landed about five a.m. on the 3rd, we were both
fast asleep, so much so indeed that they had difficulty in finding our
whereabouts and awakening us. At last, by rattling at the windows we
were aroused, and turned out to bid the old couple and their pretty
daughter, Marie, welcome to Jethou.

They were very quickly busy, Marie especially, for with Alec's help she
soon had the breakfast spread and all ready, and anyone with half an eye
could see how matters stood between them. All appeared quite settled.

After breakfast we all walked round the island together, so that I might
point out what I required done during the absence of Alec. I introduced
them to "Flap," the gull, who seemed to be rather shy of them, as they
were the first human beings who had been permitted to interview him
since I captured him fifteen months before, except Alec. The goat,
"Unicorna," and her companion, or rather son, "Butt," for she had had a
son a couple of months after her landing, were next placed under Marie's
protection, while my dear old friend, "Eddy," was handed over to Graviot
pere, with strict injunctions to use him well and not to overload the
poor fellow. He seemed to know I was going to leave him, for he thrust
his nose into my hand, and made a great fuss of me as I caressed him.

At eleven a.m., all being in readiness, I strode down the well-known
pathway towar