The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1936-08-21

thorough exploration of the COZ
Unfortunately, along this Cliff
as abrupt as the sheer side OF a
fertilization wall, Gordon and Brl-
ant could discover no cave, not
even a cut by which one could
reach the top. To gain the IN
terror, one would probably have
to 60 around the cliffs. For half
an hour the two went towards
the south, following the base OF
the cliffs, until they reached the
right bank of the river which
wound sinuously toward the east.
This side of the river was shaded
with beautiful trees, but the other
side bordered a very different
country, without foliage or trace
of solid land. 1t resembled a vast
bog which stretched to the south
ern horizon.
Unable to get to the top Of the
cliff, where they could have oo-
served the country for several
miles around, Briant and Gordon
returned to the Slough.
They related the result OF their
exploration. Until the investiga-
tions could be carried further, it
was best not to abandon the
schooner. She was badly smashed
in her hold, and listed hard to
starboard, yet she could be used
as a provisionary shelter. AL
though the deck had been broken
open at the fore above the crews
quarters, the saloon and rooms
the stern offered a sufficient shell
ter against the wind. The galley
had not suffered, greatly to the
satisfaction of the small boys, to
whom the question OF meals was
particularly momentous.
This is what was done aboard
the Slough on that very day: A
rope ladder was stretched along the
starboard listing side of the ship,
permitting the boys to reach the
matches of the bridge. Moko, helped
by Service, who liked to putter
about, prepared a meal. All ate
heartily: Jenkins, 1verSon, Dole
and Coster even gave themselves up
to some merriment. Alone, Jack
Briant, who once was the mischief
maker of the band, now was silent.
Such a change in his mood caused
surprise; Jack had become very
taciturn indeed and refused to an
swer most questions.
Then. very tired after so many
perilous days and nights, the boys
thought only of sleep. Briant, Cor
don and Doniphan decided to
watch in turn. They were afraid
strange animals might appear, or
even groups of natives which would
have been no less fearful to meet;
but nothing happened. With the
dawn, after a prayer OF thanks,
they started the work before them.
First it was necessary to take
an inventory of the provisions; OF
the material, including arms, in
struments, utensils, clothes, tools,
etc. The question of food was the
most important. Their resources
apparently would be limited to the
produce of fishing and hunting.
But to be reduced to feed themselve
on Sea-birdS and fish would have
been a last resource.
After a careful estimate they de-
cided that, except for biscuit. OF
which there was considerable
quantity, the timed foods-ham,
meat biscuits, corned beef, sailed
meats, etc.-would last only about
two months with great economy.
Therefore, from the very begin
ming it would be necessary to dis
cover and use the produce of the
strange land on which they were
cast.
Lets hope that the timed goods
have not been damaged" OBJ
served Baxter. IF, after grounding,
the sea-water penetrated the
hold"
That's what we'll see when we
open the boxes" said Gordon.
Perhaps if we recooked the food
we might be able to use it,"
I'll take charge of that" volun-
teered Moko.
And don't be long to start
work." directed Briant; "as for the
first days. we shall be forced to
live on the boats provisions"
And why not start out now?"
suggested Wilcox, lets go over to
the rocks on shore and gather some
eggs"
"Yes!" Lets go!" cried Dole
and Costar.
And why not go fishing?"
asked Webb, aren't there lines on
board, and fish in the sea? Who
wants to go fishing?"
mel" "Me!" shrieked the young
ones.
"All right. all right" answered
Briant But it's not a question
of playing. and we will only give
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