s companions then set out, and were fortunate
enough in finding several casks, cases, and bales of goods; and what was
of still greater value, the main topmast, with its spars, rigging and
canvas, although apparently in inextricable entanglement. They
immediately set to work, however, and, by using their knives, succeeded
in dragging up a topsail and topgallant sail.

"This will assist us in forming a tent," said Owen; "and if we can find
another sail or two we may have shelter enough for all hands."

Two of the men volunteered to tow the heavier articles they had found
along the beach, while Owen, with Nat and Mike, dragged the sails to
where they had left their companions.

"Shure," said Mike, "it would be wiser to camp where we are, or maybe,
when we get the tent up, Mr Scoones will be afther turnin' us out."

"I hope he won't act so unjustly," said Owen; "and we must not set the
example of selfishness for fear of his doing so."

The spars they had brought served as a tent pole, and as there were
plenty of lengths of small rope, in a short time a tent was put up of
sufficient size to accommodate the whole party. As they were all very
weary, they gladly lay down to rest, and thus commenced their first
night on this truly desert island.

CHAPTER SIX.

Owen was awakened by a kick in the side.

"Rouse out, there, you lazy young rascal. Light the fire, and get the
breakfast ready," said the person who had thus rudely disturbed his
slumbers.

Glancing up, he saw the first mate standing over him. He sprang to his
feet, looking, as he felt, much astonished at the treatment he had
received.

"Call the other boy to help you," continued Mr Scoones. "Be sharp
about it."

Owen made no reply. He knew that to do so would be useless, and would
probably increase the mate's ill-temper. He shook Nat, who was sleeping
near him, by the shoulder, and told him what the mate had ordered them
to do. The rest of the men were still sleeping. As Owen and Nat went
out of the tent they saw the mate take a bottle from a case which he had
kept close to where he had slept, and fill up a tin cup. It was
probably not the first draught he had taken that morning. Owen and Nat
collected all the wood they could find, and piled it up a short distance
from the tent. A light was struck, but it was some time before they
could produce a flame.

"Be quick there, boys, or you shall have a taste of the rope's end,"
shouted the mate