“But the risk?” said Mrs Strong.
“More risk in waiting to be attacked than in attacking,” said the captain. “I feel that we must put this danger beyond doubt, or we shall have everyone in the camp suffering from nervousness.”
“If you would wait a few days I could be of some use,” said Morgan.
“Then we will wait a few days,” said the captain sharply. “It will give you something to anticipate and help you to get well.”
“I am well now,” replied Morgan. “I only want strength.”
The report of all was the same, that over and over again the creature had been heard to roar savagely, and to be at times very close at hand.
Still all this did not interfere with Mark’s appetite. On the whole, though sorry that his mother and the O’Hallorans should have been alarmed, he was rather pleased to find that he had been right in his belief that from time to time he could hear the roaring. Maleo bird roasted—the repast being made off those that were first shot—was excellent; so was the acid fruit squeezed over it—fruit picked by Mrs O’Halloran while the others cooked. Then there was a kind of oyster which was delicious roasted in its shells. And one way and another Mark felt that he had never before partaken of so appetising a repast, especially as he sat sipping cocoa-nut milk when it was done.
Everyone was in good spirits, for the captain promised tea and chocolate from the stores that were untouched by fire, and plenty of flour and biscuit—treasures, which would make their stay on the island far more bearable, without counting upon the many other things which the ship would supply.
At last they separated to their couches of leaves and sand, after an arrangement being made for an early start next day to explore the island by a party well armed and ready to do battle with any enemy that might present itself.
Mark’s, sleeping-place was next to the major’s now, the hospital being closed, for the stowaway wanted to be along with his mates; and the other wounded sailor sturdily declared that he was quite well now, and walked very nimbly to the men’s hut.