er very unfavorable circumstances, was of no value as a
means of locating the natives.

That the island was inhabited there could no longer be any reason to
doubt. The fire plot on the banks of the Cataract River, the lights near
the woods beyond the West River, the finding of the arrows, and the
mysterious use of the boat which had so strangely disappeared from the
falls in South River, to say nothing of the removal of the flag and
flagstaff, were evidences which could not be disregarded.

The further investigations which they must make for their own safety was
one of the impelling steps which determined them to build another boat.
The discovery of the wrecked portion of the life-boat and the decision
to utilize the recovered portion for the new craft had facilitated their
preparations somewhat, but there was still a great deal of work to do.

They had six imperfect guns, as they called them, mere pistols,
muzzle-loaders, with barrels eight inches long, and the powder was not
the best which could be made. Everything was crude and imperfect, and to
boldly venture out among savage tribes with such an equipment would not
be wise.

All these things were considered in their conferences. But another
matter was suggested by the Professor, which carried some weight. A sail
had been seen by them. There could be no question on that point. Other
ships might come again, and now that they had a flag of such proportions
that it would be seen miles further than the original one, it was
possible that the opportunity of rescue might be more likely from their
side of the island than anywhere else.

It was certain that if a ship should, in their absence, reach the port,
and even discover their home through the instrumentality of the evidence
which they had left at the signal flag, there was no assurance that the
vessel would await their return, or undertake the mission of rescuing
them from the savages, if they should be so unfortunate as to be
captured.

It was a most distracting thing to solve. It was not only perplexing,
but exceedingly trying, to feel that at any moment a visit might be
expected from the natives.

Nevertheless, after all considerations, and giving due weight to the
likelihood that some ship might visit them, the building of the boat was
decided on, and it was to be of such a character that it could
circumnavigate the island. They believed it to be their first duty to do
this.

This was the Professor's view: