long day for the search for the ship, and they had just prepared
to start well armed for defence and to obtain fresh supplies of birds
when Mark got back to the men's hut. The captain was loth to leave the
camp, but most eager to see the ship, so it was decided that the major
should remain and Mr Gregory be the captain's companion, Billy Widgeon
and another man being appointed to the party.

"Good luck to you!" said the major. "We'll defend the camp, and have a
splendid dinner of roast turkey ready when you come back. By the way,
Mark, show them how to shoot these maleo birds. You will not run after
them again as we did."

"No; I shall know better now," he replied; and, after another glance
round at the arms, they were just setting off when an idea struck the
lad.

"I say, father," he exclaimed; "it's going to be a very hot day, and all
along by the side of those trees and rocks you get hardly a breath of
air."

"I suppose not," said the captain drily.

"And after a time the guns get very heavy to carry."

"Very," said the captain.

"And the maleo birds are regular lumps, if we shoot any."

"So I suppose, my boy. There, don't beat about the bush. We can find
our way, of course. You are tired with yesterday's exertions, so why
don't you frankly say that you would rather stay?"

"But I wouldn't rather stay, father. I only thought it would be much
pleasanter to ride."

"Ah, to be sure!" said Mr Gregory grimly, and with a sarcastic smile.
"Widgeon, run round the corner and call a couple of hansom cabs."

The men laughed and Mark flushed up.

"Couldn't we ride as well in a boat as in a hansom cab, Mr Gregory?" he
said.

"Done!" cried Gregory, giving his leg a slap. "Here, captain, we had
better take second grades. Of course: why not row round?"

"Why not, indeed?" said the captain smiling. "I daresay we can keep in
the smooth lagoon all the way; and when we cannot, we can land and
continue afoot. Did you notice the water, Mark?"

"Yes, father; it was exactly like this all the way, only, I think, the
line of breakers comes in nearer."

"Here, launch the boat, my lads," cried the captain; and she was run
down, the guns, ammunition, and provisions placed in the stern, and ten
minutes later they were all riding easily over the blue waters of the
smooth lagoon, the men bending to their oars, tiring their arms perhaps,
but saving their legs, as the gig ran easily over the bright surface.

It was a