In order to economize time he made a breakfast of roasted mussels, and then began to work with a will on the building.
Before the sun set again he had put up a dwelling which pleased him very much, save as to size.
It was not more than six feet square and about five high, but it would serve to shelter him from the rain, although a heavy wind might level it in short order.
To four small trees which grew at nearly equal distance from each other he had lashed the main timbers of the building, using creeping vines for ropes, and placing them at as high a point as it would be convenient to work.
Across these were tied other poles about four inches apart, and over them were laid the broad leaves of what appeared to be a species of banana plant, the whole being bound down with vines.
The sides and one end of the shanty were inclosed in leaves, and while the wind was not too boisterous he had a very comfortable dwelling.
On this night Ned slept for the first time in his life beneath his own roof, and there was such a sense of satisfaction and proprietorship in the fact that he almost forgot his desolate condition.
Next morning he was in no hurry to arise. Having worked so hard on the previous day, it seemed only fair he should indulge in a prolonged resting spell.
Hunger forced him to venture forth before the forenoon was very far advanced, however, and for the second time he served up a meal of fish, which were captured as readily as before.
After this two or three hours were spent trying to snare some of the birds by making a slip noose with one of the fishing-lines and placing within the circle fragments of mussels.