Frenchmen did not show any inclination to search for it for
themselves. Pierre was sent to tell them that lines would be provided
for them, if they would try to catch some fish, and again the captain
set out to make a fresh search for water.

As soon as the Frenchmen had recovered, they showed a very different
disposition to what they had previously exhibited. They then received
the food given to them by the English with apparent gratitude. Now,
however, when it was sent to them they seized it rudely, and grumbled
because the supply was not larger. Captain Rymer endeavoured to explain
to the French lieutenant that the arrangements made were for the good of
all. He, however, either had no authority over his countrymen or
pretended to have none. Still, as he associated himself with them, it
was evident that he intended to side with them whatever they might do.
This state of things gave considerable anxiety to the English officers.
It was arranged that a strict guard should be kept over the provisions
and water, and that no one should be allowed to take anything from the
stores.

Pierre continued, as before, to attend on the English, though he
occasionally paid a visit to the French, who were encamped at some
little distance, and out of sight of the rest of the party. On being
questioned, he said that the French claimed the stores as their own,
because they had captured the vessel from which they were taken, and
that they were very angry at the idea of the English appropriating them.
It was agreed, however, that unless they were preserved as before, the
French sailors would probably consume the whole in a very short time,
and all the party would be left in a state of starvation. Still, as the
French had hitherto shown no disposition to annoy the English, the
passengers continued to stroll about the shore of the island without any
apprehension, as they had been accustomed to do. Harry and David
frequently escorted Mary in these expeditions. They always returned
with a basket-full of shell-fish of various sorts. The boys also fitted
some fishing lines, and after a little practice they succeeded in
catching a great many fish. Some of them were very beautiful; but when
they showed them to Jacques, he told them that they were not fit to be
eaten. Others, however, were excellent, and they had thus no
apprehension with regard to not having provisions for their support,
even though they might remain on the island fo