re were one or two matters demanding our immediate attention, the
first being breakfast, while the next was the settlement of the very
important question whether or not the island happened to possess other
inhabitants than ourselves, and, incidentally, if so, what would be
their attitude toward us. And this last was a matter of the most vital
importance to us; for our experience, gained during the collection of
our cargo of sandalwood, was that while the natives of certain of the
islands were gentle, kindly disposed toward strangers, and perfectly
harmless, those of others were exceedingly jealous and suspicious,
fierce, treacherous, bloodthirsty, and in some cases actually cannibals.
Of course if it should so chance that we had been cast away upon an
island inhabited by natives possessing the last-named characteristics,
our prospects of ultimate escape with our lives were what poor old
Skipper Brown would have designated as "purty slim", and until the point
could be determined it behoved us to be exceedingly careful. Therefore,
after discussing the matter at a sort of council of war, it was decided
that, important as it might be to explore the island and ascertain its
capabilities and limitations without delay, it was still more important
and urgent to provide ourselves with the means of self-defence.
Accordingly, while Chips and Sails again undertook to climb the cliff
and procure some bananas for breakfast, Cunningham and I, accompanied by
the boatswain--who seemed, after a good night's rest, to be little the
worse for the happenings of the previous day--agreed to wade off and
board the wreck, with the view of securing such weapons and ammunition
as were come-at-able, and had not been spoiled by sea water.

The arms chest, although actually under water, was secured without
difficulty and carried ashore, together with several bottles of oil
which we were able to rescue from the lazarette; and, this done,
Cunningham and I set to work, immediately after breakfast, thoroughly to
dry, clean, and oil all the weapons and put them in perfect working
order, although such ammunition as we had been able to find was
completely ruined by sea water. But I seemed to remember having heard
our late skipper say that there was a reserve stock, packed in
waterproof zinc-lined cases, stowed away somewhere in the ship;
therefore, while Cunningham and I were engaged upon the task of cleaning
the arms, the other three men went aboard the