rather than agreeable, for he could never rid himself of the
feeling that the drowned sailors would soon be washed ashore, and during
the hours of darkness all kinds of queer fancies came into his mind with
every unusual sound.

He was eager to discuss with Jake the details of the proposed journey,
and, Neal listening to the conversation but taking no part in it, the
matter was arranged to the satisfaction of the engineer and Teddy.

The ammunition and such provisions as had been brought ashore, was
divided into three portions, one being very much heavier than the
others, and each tied in such shape as would be most convenient for
carrying.

So much of the game as would not be needed for immediate consumption was
wrapped in leaves for the travelers to take with them; but that which
caused Jake the most anxiety was the fact that the supply of water would
be exhausted before they started.

"It can't be helped," he said ruefully, "and we may be mighty thirsty
before finding any; but the case would be worse if we staid here, so
there is no reason why we need worry very much. In that swamp you spoke
of we shall surely find what thirsty men can drink on a pinch, and I'm
positive we'll get along all right."

As if eager to convince himself that there was no great danger to be
apprehended from the journey through the forest, he continued to talk
about his plans until both the boys were perfectly familiar with all he
hoped to gain by the attempt; but of his fears not a word was spoken.

At night all retired early in order to be fresh for the morrow's work,
and when the first faint flush of another day appeared in the eastern
sky Jake aroused his companions.

"Turn out, boys," he shouted cheerily. "We must make the most of these
cool hours, for it will be necessary to halt at noon, and we want to get
through the forest as quickly as possible."

While speaking he was fastening the heaviest package on his back, and
after a hurried toilet in the sea Neal and Teddy took up their loads.

It was still quite dark under the towering trees when the journey was
begun; but each moment the gloom grew less, until, when the sun rose it
was possible to see the way with but little difficulty.

To travel very rapidly was out of the question. In certain places the
underbrush was so dense that considerable exertion became necessary in
order to force a passage, and despite all efforts not more than two
miles an hour could be made.

At