They crossed the clearing and pushed through the opening on the other side, and, after going about half a mile, heard the report of a gun close to them, followed by a great fluttering of wings, as a host of startled birds flew away from the branches where they had been roosting.
A few moments later they came upon Leigh, accompanied by a seaman carrying a large bag, which seemed to be well filled, and gave promise of a few savoury meals in the immediate future.
Roger at once gave him Mr Cavendish’s orders to reassemble the men, and then asked him how far he had succeeded in his hunting.
“Oh, very well, Roger!” replied Leigh. “I have nearly filled the bag, as you may see, and some of the birds are fine big fellows, and should be excellent eating. At any rate we will sample them at mess this evening. But I must be off and get the men together. As you two have liberty until we start for the ship, you may take this musket and ammunition, if you like, and try to shoot something on your own account. One’s own shooting always tastes best, I am told,” he added with a laugh, as he prepared to return. “But I should not wander too far away, if I were you,” he advised. “We do not know the place as yet, and there may be dangers that we are not aware of; so be careful.”
The lads thanked Mr Leigh for the loan of the musket, and the lieutenant disappeared to collect the men, telling the lads that he would sound the trumpet if they were not in sight when it was time to return to the ships.
“Now,” said Roger, when Leigh had disappeared, “where are we to go, Harry?”
“Do you remember that ledge of rocks that we saw this morning?” asked Harry! “Well, we noticed quite a number of caves among them; what say you to going and having a look at them?”
“Agreed, my friend!” said Roger. “But can we get to them, I wonder, from here, without going back to the beach and walking all the way round?”
“Oh, yes! I think so,” answered Harry. “I believe I remember how they lie, and in what direction; and if we bear away to the left here it will bring us to them, no doubt.”
So the two turned off, and presently found another opening in the brush, through which they went.