re, fully aware of the danger they
were in. They were not a moment too soon, for the monster, having
caught sight of their white legs, dashed forward and almost grounded
itself on the beach before, giving a whisk of its tail, it darted off
again, startled by their shouts and cries, and escaped.

Tom now cried out that he had seen some birds, and that if he might use
small shot he was certain that he could kill several. Green, seeing no
signs of natives, thought there would be no risk, and gave him leave.
Tom was a good shot, and the birds, a species of pigeon, being
unaccustomed to firearms, were not frightened, so that he very quickly
made a heavy bag, without having had to go far for it. There appeared
to be now no reason why the party should not land to cook their
provisions, and, finding a clear stretch of beach, they pulled in and
hauled up the boats. Some of the men set to work to gather sticks, and
a blazing fire was soon lighted; while others plucked the pigeons and
prepared them for the spit. These were placed on forked sticks round
the fire, while the men sat down on the ground to enjoy themselves. A
few cried out for grog, but not a drop of spirits had been brought, so
they were obliged to go without it, but the smokers had their pipes and
tobacco, and Green had put his cigar-case into his pocket, so that they
were able to pass the time pleasantly enough while the birds were
cooking.

"After all, we've no great cause to complain," observed Tom, as he
lighted one of Green's cigars. "I suppose when the gale abates the ship
will come and look for us, or if not we shall have no great difficulty
in getting back to Santa Cruz, while in the meantime we may make
ourselves happy where we are," he observed.

Billy Blueblazes, of course, echoed the sentiment, but Archie was
somewhat doubtful whether they might not miss the ship, as it would take
them the best part of two days to pull back, and before that time she
probably would have come out to look for them. Green was rather
inclined to be of Archie's opinion, and was considering what under the
circumstances it was best to do.

"Dinner ready, sir," said Jerry Bird, who had dished up the pigeons with
some large leaves. "We have broiled oysters and mussels, and cocoanut
for dessert, and as much milk and water as we like to drink; a feast fit
for a king."

Green and the midshipmen preferred the pigeons, leaving the shell-fish
to be divided among the men, w