“Oh, good gracious! Mr. Holdfast, do you think we will?” asked that young gentleman, nervously.
“We must do the best we can. I take it we are all brave, and would be willing to fight.”
After a considerable walk, they reached a grove of trees, bearing a different leaf from any to which they were accustomed. They did not appear to produce fruit of any kind, but were comely and afforded a grateful shade. This was the more appreciated, because the sun had begun to make its heat felt, and a feeling of languor diffused itself over all.
“I move we squat here a while,” said Mr. Stubbs.
“Very well,” said the mate. “We have all day before us, and I am afraid a great many more to come, in which we may explore the island.”
All threw themselves on the grass without ceremony.
They returned to the shore about noon, and sitting down on the bluff, ate heartily of the stores they had brought with them from the ship. They had brought no water, but, fortunately, discovered a spring on their homeward walk, which promised a constant supply of refreshing drink.
“This seems a great deal like a picnic,” said Harry, as they sat down on the grass with the food in the center.
“I am afraid it will prove a larger picnic than we care for,” remarked the professor.
When dinner was over, if their informal meal can be dignified by that name, Mr. Holdfast said: