acon," as
Desmond called it, soon afterwards burst forth into a bright flame. The
fire below was then lighted, and as it blazed up it cast a lurid glare
over the whole island, on the ribs of their vessel, their hut below the
tall cocoa-nut trees, and the lower shrubs. At the same instant loud
screams were heard--the birds, startled by the unusual appearance,
mounted into the air, numbers flying towards the fire, and the party on
the hill had to use sticks to keep them off, as they darted here and
there, blinded by the light. More and more fuel was added, and as soon
as the doctor's flying beacon had burnt out, another of the same
description was hoisted.

"Well, if they don't see our fire they must be all asleep on board the
stranger," said Desmond.

"No fear of that," remarked the doctor; "in these seas, with reefs on
every side, depend upon it a bright look-out will be kept, or no ship
could get across with safety."

"If she stood on, as you supposed she was steering, she must be by this
time near enough to hear our gun," said Tom. "Bring up powder and
wadding, Bird."

Jerry eagerly hastened to obey the order. The gun was fired every five
minutes, although it was not likely, as the sound had to travel against
the wind, that it would be heard for some time on board the ship. Most
of the party had forgotten all about supper, until Billy exclaimed: "If
I don't get some provender, I shall collapse."

As the rest acknowledged that they were much in the same state, Peter
and Pat were sent to bring up a supply of food.

"Let there be plenty," said Billy; "we need not be on short commons now,
I hope!"

The supper was discussed by the light of the fire. Tom in the mean time
could not refrain from now and then looking out for an answering signal.

Hours went by, and all remained dark as before round the island. As to
sleeping, few would have closed their eyes even had they gone back to
the hut.

Tom had kept his watch in his hand to time the firing. The gun had just
been discharged and all was again silent, when, as he was about again to
give the order to fire, there came down on the breeze the boom of a
heavy gun.

"No doubt about the sort of piece that comes from, sir," exclaimed
Jerry. "The craft away there is a man-of-war, or I'm no sailor."

"I think so too," cried Tom; "they must have noticed our signals, and I
don't think the ship will pass by without sending on shore."

"We might go off to her