They now continued their walk, and, forcing their way through the brushwood which grew thick upon the point of land, soon arrived at the end of it.
"What is that out there?" said William, pointing to the right of where they stood.
"That is another island, which I am very glad to see even in that direction, although it will not be so easy to gain it, if we are obliged to leave this for want of water. It is a much larger island than this, at all events," continued Ready, scanning the length of the horizon, along which he could see the tops of the trees. - "Well, we have done very well for our first day, so we will go and look for a place to lie down and pass the night."
They returned to the high ground where the cocoa-nut grove ended, and collecting together several branches and piles of leaves, made a good soft bed under the trees.
"And now we'll go to bed. Look, William, at the long shadow of the trees the sun has nearly set."
"Shall I give the dogs some water now, Ready? See, poor Remus is licking the sides of the bottles."
"No, do not give them any: it appears to be cruel, but I want the intelligence of the poor animals to-morrow, and the want of water will make them very keen, and we shall turn it to good account. So now, William, we must not forget to return thanks to a merciful God, and to beg his care over us for this night. We little know what the day may bring forth. Good-night!"
Chapter XVI
William slept as sound as if he had been on shore in England upon a soft bed in a warm room - so did old Ready; and when they awoke the next morning it was broad daylight. The poor dogs were suffering for want of water, and it pained William to see them with their tongues out, panting and whining as they looked up to him. "Now, William," said Ready, "shall we take our breakfast before we start, or have a walk first?"
"Ready, I cannot really drink a drop of water myself, and I am thirsty, unless you give a little to these poor dogs."