“We might have found better food, though they have their value,” remarked the doctor. “If we can kill some birds, or a seal, or catch a few fish, they will be very useful.”
A large black sack was found, it was full of charcoal.
“This is poor food,” said Willy with a sigh.
“Yes, but what is that iron thing in the bows there?” asked the doctor. It was hauled out, and found to be a small cooking stove. “Ah, this is indeed a valuable prize,” he added. “We may now cook our provisions and boil our kettle.”
“The poor women will be better for some tea, at all events,” observed Willy. “That is to say, if we have any tea-leaves to make it with, and to be sure we have but a small supply of water for the purpose.”
“We must see about that,” said the doctor. “We will try to manufacture a still to turn salt water into fresh.”
“But the charcoal will go but a little way for that purpose,” remarked his young companion.
“Nil desperandum,” answered the doctor. “We will try what can be done.”
“Here’s a case which looks like a tea-chest,” remarked one of the men who was helping them. “It is somewhat wet though.” The case was opened, and found to contain a large supply of tea; and though the outer part was spoilt, the interior was perfectly dry. A tin of coffee berries was discovered.
“We have no mill to grind them in, I fear,” said Willy.