plates, a
tea-pot, some knives and forks, as also several articles of clothing,
which would enable them to enjoy the luxury of a change of linen.

Tom at first thought of shifting their head-quarters to the little bay
where their boat was drawn up; but on consideration, as it was in an
exposed situation, he and Desmond agreed to return to their original
camp. They found a sufficient amount of planking to raise the boat's
gunwales, and to put a small deck forward and some lockers aft.
Altogether they were highly satisfied with the treasures they had
obtained, and having laden their boat, they once more put off. The wind
again favouring them, they had a pleasant sail back to the bay. It was
night by the time they landed their stores and had conveyed the articles
of food to their encampment.

Tom and Desmond were in much better spirits than they had been before.
They had now, as they could make their boat seaworthy, great hopes of
performing their intended voyage. They had a good store of provisions,
with a compass, chart, quadrant, and almanac, so that they could direct
their course in any direction which was considered advisable. They were
still in some doubt whether they should go on to the Ladrones or steer
for Japan. In the latter case they would be likely to fall in with an
English man-of-war, but the voyage must be difficult, and they finally
decided to be guided by the winds and the state of the weather.

Japan was certainly nearer, but they might make a port at which no
Englishmen were settled, and it was very uncertain how they might be
treated by the natives. They hoped, too, that the _Dragon_ might have
escaped and managed to reach the Ladrones, where, as she would without
doubt remain some time, they might be able to rejoin her.

None of the party, unfortunately, had much practical knowledge of
carpentering. Pat, from having lived so long among the savages, was the
most skilful and accustomed to turn his hand to all sorts of work. They
trusted, however, for success to the right exercise of their wits. They
had to make a couple more trips to the wreck, to bring away various
articles which they thought might be of use. They then, without further
loss of time, commenced operations.

The first task was to fix on a false keel, about half a foot in depth,
to enable the boat to sail closer to the wind than she would otherwise
have been able to do. It took some time, as they were greatly afraid of
in