As we went on our cheerfulness returned.
We saw occasional pigeons and many beautiful plumaged birds, among which were parrots and paroquets that kept up a noisy clatter. We also encountered a species of brown and yellow ground-snake about two feet long, which did not appear to be harmful, as it always seemed anxious to get away. Frogs, small lizards and crabs were plentiful, and I presume some of the latter were edible. Coming to a thicket of thorn-bush just as the dusk began to settle across our path, we prepared to camp for the night. A square space was cleared in the thicket, some leafy branches were laid across the top to serve as a roof, wood was gathered, and a fire was built in front; and we proceeded to roast a few yams and two fat pigeons that I had shot late in the afternoon; and opening a can of peaches, we made a bountiful repast. We soon sought repose, and, as no sound save the murmuring of the breeze through the trees came from the forest, sleep came quickly to all of us. We were aroused the next morning at daybreak by Puff who was screaming at the top of his voice at a flock of wild parrots in the trees above, and in an incredibly short time we were again on the march. We had proceeded only a short distance when we came to a small open place covered with grass, and we were about to skirt its edge when close in front of us came an angry "woof."
"Wild pigs," I cried, greatly alarmed, for, from my previous encounter, I understood their savage nature.
At the moment an ugly looking boar showed his head directly in front of us. Mr. Harborough was about to fire, but I restrained him, knowing that the least disturbance might bring a drove of these savage beasts upon us.
"Let us quietly withdraw as quickly as possible," I said, "and make a detour of the forest."
This plan was carried out, and, to my great relief, successfully, for the boar disappeared in the grass, and we saw no more of it.
Having the compass, we were able to keep the right direction, pushing forward rapidly, only stopping a short time at mid-day for dinner, and the sun was yet high in the heavens when we came to the first rising ground, and I knew that we had reached the foot of the mountain.
Presently I saw familiar land-marks, and I was able to lead the way to the top. The beacon was standing exactly as I had left it. We proceeded to my cave-dwelling, where everything was found pretty much as I had left it, except that the barricade before the door showed some decay. There was still some time before nightfall, during which, after depositing our sacks within, we cut a quantity of grass for beds and gathered a quantity of fire-wood. We also partitioned off one corner of the room for Marjorie, fixing a bamboo across, to which hung cocoanut cloth which we found in abundance a short distance away, fastening it together with pegs, and thus we were comfortably settled soon after our arrival; and, as we enjoyed the evening meal, we talked over future plans. I promised to show my companions the ruined wall in the morning, as we retired to rest.
The orange trees and banana plants near the ruin were still thrifty and bore abundant fruit, and we regaled ourselves as I showed my companions the old wall. Mr. Harborough took the greatest interest in it, and we speculated as to its origin. Other matters, however, engaged our attention from day to day. The compass was taken to the foot of the beacon, and the bearings of the land which I had discovered in the distance accurately determined.
It lay exactly southeast, half east, from where we stood.