Guilford kindly took the first watch with the wounded men, so that the doctor might have a few hours' sleep, and Kep as well.
McTavish awoke quite refreshed about four o'clock, and took watch himself.
"I have a mind to sit with you a short time," said Guilford, and down they both sat, after the doctor had taken a turn or two among the men. Meanwhile the moon had risen and was shedding her silvery light all over camp and barracoon, beautifying and spiritualising everything.
They had hidden the hurricane lamp behind a bush, and were talking low to each other, as they sat beneath a banana tree.
Suddenly McTavish clutched Guilford by the shoulder.
"Hush!" he whispered. "Did you not hear a sound as of advancing footsteps?"
They had both drawn their revolvers and sat waiting, fearfully, hardly daring to draw breath.
A moment after something fell with a dull thud almost at their feet.
"What was that?" said Guilford.
"A cocoa-nut, I think."