nter's tools. When I say that half the
deck was under water, it may be supposed that there were very few things
which had escaped soaking. Fortunately the carpenter had stowed many of
his things away in a locker on the upper side of the vessel. These we
secured, and then searched for his chest, which we knew contained some
more of the necessary tools.

"Poor fellow! if he had stuck by us instead of attempting to swim on
shore, he would have been here to lend us a hand," observed Tarbox.

Oliver was very busy hunting about. Of course, we had thrown off our
jackets, and retained only our trowsers. We did not mind, therefore,
plunging into the water, now and then diving down in the hopes of
getting hold of something. At length Oliver cried out that he felt the
handle of a chest, which he thought must be the carpenter's. We soon
got a hook and rope, and hauled it up, when with much satisfaction we
found he was right. It was somewhat heavy, and we doubted if we should
get it into the boat. At last Oliver suggested that we should open it,
and carry some of the tools separately, so as to lighten it. This we
did; and by the time we had got a few coils of rope on board, and some
blocks, our boat was heavily laden.

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE.

OUR FIRST EXCURSION IN THE ISLAND.

On our arrival at the beach, we found that the indefatigable Frau and
her young companions had carried up all the articles to the house. On
seeing us return, they had again come down, with Potto Jumbo, to help
us. The Frau, lifting a coil of rope, put it round her neck,
exclaiming, "Ah! I have one fine necklace--I carry this;" and off she
set, with a bag of biscuit at her back. The girls each loaded
themselves with blocks and ropes, while we carried up the chests and
heavier articles.

Great was Mr Hooker's delight when he saw his beloved cases arrive.

"What! you have saved these?" he exclaimed, lifting up his hands, and
gazing at them with affection. "I am indeed indebted to you. I little
thought any one else appreciated them as I do. But it shows you are
true lovers of science, that you value such treasures as these--not as
ordinary persons value them, but as men of science look at them--at
their true worth. Thank you, my friends--thank you;" and he shook us
all warmly by the hand.

I really believe that the restoration of his collections contributed
greatly to his recovery.

The next day we were employed in the same way--in