Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1891-06-26
wa. quite strong enough to tow the whole


Fortunately Brian and Moko returned
before the turtle had reached the waters
edge.
Some spars were hastily slipped under
it, and by means of these levers the boys
finally succeeded in turning it over upon
its back. This done it was really a priS-
oner, it being impossible for it to use its
claws, besides, just as it was drawing its
head back into its shell, Brian struck il
such u well-aimed blow with an ak as to
kill it almost instantly.
well Costar are you still afraid of the
sea monster?" he asked.
mo, Brian, Pm not afraid of it now
that it is dead"
But I'll bet You something pretty that
you won't dare to eat it."
as it good to eat?"
Certainly"
al sha'n't be afraid to eat it if it is
good" replied Costar, smacking his lips
already.
sit is excellent" answered Moko, and
he spoke the truth, for turtle meat is real
ly great delcacy.
As it would be impossible to transport
this gigantic mass to the yacht, they were
obliged to cut it up then and there. This
was not a very pleasant task, but these
lads were beginning to submit to the some
times rather disagreeable necessities OF
their present life quite manfully. The
most difficult thing to do was to break the
lower shell, upon which an ak made no
impression whatever. They finally sue
ceeded in forcing a cold chisel through the
cracks in the shell; the flesh was then cut
up and carried aboard the Slough" and
that day everyone came to the conclusion
that turtle soup was delicious, to say
no hing of the steaks which they devoured
with great gustO, though Service had
scOrched them quite badly. Even Fan
proved to their satisfaction that the car
cass of the animal was by no means de-
SpiScd by the canine race. This turtle, in
short, furnished them with over fifty
pounds of excellent meat, and enabled
them to economic their supply of food.
The month of March ended in this way
During the three weeks that had elapsed
since the wreck of the "Sloughi" each
member of the party had done his best to
assist in the preparations for prolonged
sojourn in this region, and now before
winter made its appearance the important
question as to whethar this vas a conti-
nent or island remained to be decided
On the 1st of April it became evident
that there would soon be a change in the
weather. The barometer rose and the wind
abatcd; in short, there was every indca
ton of quite q long period of pleasant
weather, and in a consultation held on
that day the older boys decided that pre-
parations for this important expedition
should be made at once.
II think that there will be nothing to
prevent US from starting tomorrow morn
ing" remarked Donovan.
Il hope not" responded Brian, land we
must have everything in readiness for an
early start"
You thought that the water you saw
was about six miles from the prOmontory
l believer" remarked Gordon.
Yes, but as the bay describes nearly
half circle, the water | saw may not be
quite so far from our camp"
"Ip that case we shall not probably be
absent more than twenty-four hours"
Not if we could be sure of our ability
TO travel directly eastward, but if we
should not succeed in making our way
through the forest, what them"
Were not likely to have much trouble
about that. fancy" rejoiped Donovan,
rather contemptuously,
Still we may meet with obstacles such
as n marsh or river that we cannot ford
and it would consequently be advisable to
take provisions enough to last several
days, it seems to me-"
And ammunition as we'll" added Will
cox.
''Of course" replied Brian. land let it
be thoroughly understood, Gordon, that
If we should not return within forty-eight
hours you must not feel at all uneasy"
Il should feel uneasy if you were absent
no longer than half day" replied Cor
don; but that is not the question. As
this expedition has been decided upon.
make it, and without delay. The main
object of it, however, must not be to reach
the sea you dimly discerned to the east,
but TO gain some knowledge of the coun-
try on the other side of this cliff. We have
succeeded in finding no cave, and when
we leave the yacht it must be for some
spot sheltered from the sea-winds. TIC
spend the winter upon this beach is not tc
be thought of"
You are right, Gordon" replied Brian
land we Will look for some suitable camp
ing-place"
UNLESS we find that we shall soon be
able to take final leave of this supposed
island" interrupted Donovan, who was
ever reverting to his theory
"Of course, though the weather, which
is already becoming quite cold, scarcely
favors such a PLAN" Gordon answered.
pleasantly. However, we will do the best
we can"
Their preparations for departure were
soon completed. Four days rations TO be
carried in small bags strapped across then
shoulders four rifles, four reyolvers, two
hatchets, pOcket-compass, a good marine
glass. some blankets, and a supply of
matches as well as a flint and finder would
apparently suffice for the needs of an ex.
petition which would be short but not
without its perils, so Brian and Donovan,
as well as Service and Wilcox, who were
to accompany them, would do well to be
on their guard and to keep together.
Gordon said to himself that his presence
might prove useful in preventing any seri-
Gus disagreement between Brian aud Don.
ovan, but it seemed necessary that he
should remain on the yacht to take charge
of the younger members of the party. sc
drawing Brian aside he made him promise
TO carefully avoid all subjects OF discord
and controversy.
The representations OF the barometer
were realized. Before sunset the last
clouds had vanished. Soon the marnif.
cent consultations of the southern hemt
sphere appeared in the clear sky, among
them that superb Southern Cross which
glitters above the Antarctic regions.
Gordon and his comrades were greatly
depressed in spirits by the thought of lis
approaching separation. What might not
happen during an expedition fraughtv tb
such grave perils and possibilities and
= their eyes involuntarily turned heaven
ward, their thoughts reverted to their par
ents and friends, and to the homes that
they were perhaps never to see again.
And the younger children knelt before
this southern Cross as they would have
knelt before the cross in a church, for did
it not bid them pray to the All-poverful
Greater of these celestial wonders aud
place their trust in Him?
CHAPTER VII
THE BIRCH FoREST-FRoM THE SUMMIT OF
THE CLIFF THROUGH TIE FOREST
DUKE CREEK-CoMPANY FOR THE NIGHT
THE DESERTED HUT-wATER-FAN'S DIS
CoVERY.
Brian, Donovan, Wilcox, and Service