This last suggestion met with general approval. They had had no breakfast to speak of, and after their voyage and excitement hunger was beginning to assert itself. The one brown-paper parcel rescued from the "Eliza" was forthwith handed in and pronounced common property. It happened to be the parcel bearing Tubbs's name, and contained, besides a seventh part of the provisions, Tubbs's voluntary contributions to the general store--namely, the crib to Sallust, and the guide to the environs of Tunbridge Wells. These, it was proposed and seconded, should be handed over to the owner as his share of the good things contained in the parcel, but Bowler and Gayford interfered on his behalf; and after having been reprimanded with a severity that took away his appetite, he was allowed to partake of a portion of potted shrimp and a potted peach, together with a small slice of cake. Bowler groaned to see what a hole even this frugal repast made in the provisions, and consulted Gayford in an undertone on the possibility of slaying a seagull and the merits of raw poultry generally. Rather dolefully the provisions were packed up and deposited in a ledge in the rocks, while the party proceeded to wander about the island in search of board and lodging. The charms of Long Stork Island had fallen off greatly in the short interval, and the sea-fog, which was beginning to wrap it round and hide the mainland from view, seemed like a wet blanket both on the spirits and persons of the adventurers. After much dreary search a hollow was found on the hill-side, which by fastening together three or four ulsters might be roofed over sufficiently well to keep out the rain or cold if required. As to food, the island provided absolutely nothing except the chance of raw poultry already mentioned and a few shell-fish on the rocks. The day wore on, and the fog turned to drizzle and the drizzle to rain. They held out against it as long as they could, but had to take shelter at last, and herd together in their extemporised cabin. Here a painful discussion ensued, "I hope you're satisfied now!" growled Wallas. "This is mess enough to please even you, Bowler." "What do you mean?" retorted Gayford; "a lot you've done for the public good. There are plenty of seagulls about without you to croak, too." "I wish my umbwellah hadn't gone out to sea," observed Braintree, shivering. "By the way," said Crashford, "didn't I see it lying on the rocks. I'll just run and see," and off he started. "When shall we ever get away?" asked Wester. "We may get starved here." "They're sure to see us or find us out in a day or two," said Bowler. "A day or two!" exclaimed Wallas; "do you really mean we've got to stay here without food or shelter a day or two? I wish your New Swishford was in the middle of the sea." "So it is," dryly observed Bowler. "Fine fools you've made of us with your humbug and child's play," growled the other.