bower. Here we found large flocks of ducks of
various kinds, some of them bearing so much resemblance to the wild
ducks of our own country that I think they must have been the same. On
these occasions we took the bow and the sling, with both of which we
were often successful, though I must confess that I was the least so.
Our suppers were thus pleasantly varied, and sometimes we had such a
profusion spread out before us that we frequently knew not with which of
the dainties to begin.

I must also add that the poor old cat which we had brought home had
always a liberal share of our good things; and so well was it looked
after, especially by Peterkin, that it recovered much of its former
strength, and seemed to improve in sight as well as hearing.

The large flat stone, or rock of coral, which stood just in front of the
entrance to our bower, was our table. On this rock we had spread out
the few articles we possessed the day we were shipwrecked; and on the
same rock, during many a day afterwards, we spread out the bountiful
supply with which we had been blessed on our Coral Island. Sometimes we
sat down at this table to a feast consisting of hot rolls--as Peterkin
called the newly baked bread-fruit--a roast pig, roast duck, boiled and
roasted yams, cocoa-nuts, taro, and sweet potatoes; which we followed up
with a dessert of plums, apples, and plantains--the last being a
large-sized and delightful fruit, which grew on a large shrub or tree
not more than twelve feet high, with light-green leaves of enormous
length and breadth. These luxurious feasts were usually washed down
with cocoa-nut lemonade.

Occasionally Peterkin tried to devise some new dish--"a conglomerate,"
as he used to say; but these generally turned out such atrocious
compounds that he was ultimately induced to give up his attempts in
extreme disgust--not forgetting, however, to point out to Jack that his
failure was a direct contradiction to the proverb which he (Jack) was
constantly thrusting down his throat--namely, that "where there's a will
there's a way." For he had a great will to become a cook, but could by
no means find a way to accomplish that end.

One day, while Peterkin and I were seated beside our table, on which
dinner was spread, Jack came up from the beach, and flinging down his
axe, exclaimed:

"There, lads, the boat's finished at last! So we've nothing to do now
but shape two pair of oars, and then we may put to sea as soon as w