A COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY.
"Thalcave, friend Thalcave!" cried Robert, stretching out his hands towards the courageous Patagonian.
"He will be saved, Mr. Robert," said Wilson; "but let us join Lord Glenarvan."
A moment after, Robert and the sailor descended the three stories of branches and found themselves among their companions. Glenarvan, Paganel, the major, Austin, and Mulready were seated astraddle, or dangling in the branches, according to their own inclinations. Wilson gave an account of their visit to the top of the tree. All shared his opinion in regard to Thalcave. The only question was, whether Thalcave would save Thaouka, or Thaouka Thalcave.
The present situation of these refugees was undeniably insecure. The tree would not probably give way to the force of the current, but the rising waters might reach the top branches, for the depression of the soil made this part of the plain a deep reservoir. Glenarvan's first care, therefore, was to establish, by means of notches, points of comparison which enabled him to note the different heights of the water. The flood was now stationary, and it appeared to have reached its greatest elevation. This was encouraging.
"And now what shall we do?" asked Glenarvan.
"Build our nest, of course," replied Paganel.
"Build our nest!" cried Robert.