Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1891-07-24
TWO YEARS VhCAT TON.
thor Of THE Tour o. the World - -
Days, P" ''20, 900 Leagues Under
TIC Seas" Etc

AFTER a hasty lunch the mattresses |eFs
carried into the cave and ranged in order
on the sand, the large table from the yacht
was then placed in the center of the room.
and Garrett with the assistance of the lit
tie boys, unpacked the dishes and cooking
utensils and transported them from the
yacht to the cave.
It was nearly night when these tasks
were completed and preparations for theiT
evening meal had been in progress for
some time. A dozen birds were roasting
in front Of fire made between two large
stones at the base of the cliff: a soup-pot
was sending forth savory Odor, and while
Dole and Iverson were cOnscientiously per
forming the duties Of turn-spits Fan
watched their every movement with
marked interest.
Before seven O'Clock the entire party had
assent led in the cave whittier the benches
and camp-stools and willow chairs from
the tSloughin had already been trans
ferred and the lads, served by the cabin
boy and themselves, did ample Justice
40 a substantial repast The steaming
soup, piece of corned beef the broiled
Birds, and fresh water seasoned with few
drops Of brandy with some cheese and a
little sherry by way Of dessert, compen-
stated for the rather meager fare of the
last few days In spite of the gravity OF
the situation, the younger children be
came gay and frOlicsome, and Brian care
fully refrained from casting chill over
their mirth or REFRESHING their laughter.
The day had been a very fatiguing one,
and a general desire to 90 to bed was
eyincrd as soon as the meal was conclud-
ed, but Gordon proposed that they should
first pay visit to the grave Of Francois
BaudOin, whose former abode they were
now occupying.
The horizon was already yelled from
sight by the darkness as the lads paused
beside the grave over which their com
radcs had ~"ected a small wooden cross on
their frs ist, then knceling they listened
rcycreutiy while Que Of the older boys Of
fered up prayer to God for the soul OF
the shipwrccked sailor.
BY nine O'Clock all were in bed and
sleeping souudly except Wilcox and Don
uvan Ii being their turn TO watch that
night, they made hrge fire near the
mouth Of the cave which would serve to
keep away dangerous visitors as well as to
warm the interior.
'44le next day, and, indeed, the three
days following we're devoted to unloading
the raft There were strong indications
Of rain or snow, 50 it was Of the utmost
Importance that the provisions and ammu'
milton. and, in fact, everything that might
be injured. should be transferred to O
place Of shelter without delay. On &C
count Of the urgency Of the work on hand
the hunters did not leave the camp as us
nal, but MS game abounded not only upon
the lake but in the marsh on the left bank
Of the stream, an occasional chance for .
shot enabled Donovan to keep Moko's lar
der tolcrably well supplied. Neverthe
less, it was not without grievous anxiety
tina. Gordon saw the inroads upon theil
stock of ammunition and he urged upon
Donovan the necessity Of the utmost econ
omy.
at is for The sake Of our future" he
added, pnrsuasiycly.
81 understand Tint" replied Donovan,
'but IL is equally necessary for us to save
our supplies. We should grievously re-
pcnt of having used them in case any OPP
porauuity TO leave the island ever presents
Itself"
leave the islandg" repeated Gordon.
"Do you think us capable of constructing
worthy boat?"
"Why not, Gordon, especially if the
iiIdlli ttlil'l Is liPL idi pll4 III any case,
have no desire 10 die here like Brian's fel
low-countryman."
"Nryerthcless, before we think OF de-
Yarture we had better accustom ourselves
% the Thought that we shall perhaps be
Obliged to live here for years and years"
"There speaks Gordon" cried Donovan.
Ell am sure you would be delighted tc
founC COLONY"
Certainly, If we can do no better"
II don't think you will find many ad
hercrts-cycn your friend Brian would
desert You, fancy, if an opportunity of
ferrd'
I'VE shall have plenty of time to dis
cuss this later replied Gordon: but
speaking of Brian, Donovan, you must al
low me TO say that you do him great in
Justice He is a good fellow and has givea
us abundant proofs of his devotion"
"Qh, yes, he is the fortunate posscssOI
of every virtue under the sum-" replied
Donovan, in the scornful tone which he
always used in speaking of his comrade
Gle is hero, undoubtedly"
NO Donovan, he has his faults like al
the rest of us but your feelings TOWARD
.----a may be the means of rendering oul
situation much more unpleasant. Brian
is highly esteemed by all of us"
"All Of usl'
cor at least by the majority of our com
rades don't understand why you anC
Wilcox and Cross and Webb feel such al
aversion to him. | think il only right t
mention the matter, and feel sure you viii
think seriously of it,"
81 have thought it all over, | assure
you"
Gordon saw that the naughty youth wa!
little inclined to heed his advice, and re
GREETED the fact deeply, for he apprehend
Ell serious difficulty in the future,
As we have previously remarked, tht
unloading of the cargo occupied three
days, after which the raft was demolishe,
in order that the material of which it wa!
composed might be used in the cave, bu
unfortunately there was not room in the
cave for everything, and If they did no
succeed in eularging it they would b,
obliged to erect a shed to serve as a store
Nouse in bad weather.
ON the afternoon Of the 18th of May
Baxter Brian and MokO set up the raugt
which had been moved ON rollers to thu
mouth of the cave. To secure the hes
possible draught they placed it close t,
the right wall near the entrance, and tht
rock being comparatively soft. Baxter sue
ceeded in making a hole through it for tn,
pipe, thus providing means of escape
FOR the smoke. When the fire was made
they had the satisfaction Of finding that il
drew admirably, SO there would be no diff
tiyulty about cooking hereafter, even il
stormy weather
During the following week Donovan
Wilcox, Webb and Cross were able t,
CRAFTY their taste for hunting To the ut
termost One day while passing through
the forest about half "A mile from the cave
they found uumistakable traCes'of mans
handjwork in several places. These were
deep holes dug in the ground and covered
with branches, and one of these pits con-
tanned the remains of some animal whose
species IL was difficult tosdctermiue.
These are the bones of some very tail
animal unquestiouably," remarked vii
cox.
And Quadruped, as here are the bones
of its four paws added Webb.
''Do YOU think it was a lion or tigers
asked Cross, rather uueasily.
IF not "a lion or tiger it was at least s
panther or cougar, replied Donovan
I'VE had better be on our guard. then, ~
said Webb
And not venture too far" added Cross
DO you hear, Fan, there are wild beasts
around here certainly"
ButFdn's only answer was joyous
bark that indicated no disquietude.
The young hunters were about to return