The reporter, having learned everything so as to be able to speak of everything, would contribute largely from his knowledge and skill towards the settlement of the island. He would not shirk work; and, a thorough sportsman, he would follow as a business what he had formerly indulged in as a pastime. Herbert, a manly lad, already well versed in natural science, would contribute his share to the common cause. Neb was devotion personified. Adroit, intelligent, indefatigable, robust, of iron constitution, knowing something of the work in a smithy, his assistance would be considerable. As to Pencroff, he had sailed every sea, had been a carpenter in the Brooklyn yards, an assistant tailor on board ship, and, during hie leaves of absence, a gardener, farmer, etc.; in short, like every sailor, he was a Jack-of-all-trades. Indeed, it would have been hard to bring together five men, more able to struggle against fate, and more certain to triumph in the end. “At the beginning,” Smith had said. And this beginning was the construction of an apparatus which would serve to transform the natural substances. Every one knows what an important part heat plays in these transformations. Therefore, as wood and coal were already provided it was only necessary to make an oven to utilize them. “What good is an oven,” asked Pencroff. “To make the pottery that we want,” replied Smith. “And how will we make an oven?” “With bricks.” “And how will we make the bricks?” “With the clay. Come, friends. We will set up our factory at the place of production, so as to avoid carriage. Neb will bring the provisions, and we shall not lack fire to cook food.” “No,” replied the reporter, “but suppose we lack food, since we have no hunting implements?” “If we only had a knife!” cried the sailor, “What, then?” asked Smith. “Why, I would make a bow and arrows. And game would be plenty in the larder.” “A knife. Something that will cut,” said the engineer, as if talking to himself. Suddenly his face brightened: “Come here, Top,” he called. The dog bounded to his master, and Smith having taken off the collar which the animal had around his neck, broke it into halves, saying:— “Here are two knives, Pencroff.” For all response, the sailor gave a couple of cheers. Top’s collar was made from a thin piece of tempered steel. All that was therefore necessary was to rub it to an edge upon a sand-stone, and then to sharpen it upon one of finer grain. These kind of stones were readily procurable upon the beach, and in a couple of hours the implements of the colony consisted of two strong blades, which it was easy to fasten into solid handles. The overcoming of this first difficulty was greeted as a triumph and it was indeed a fortunate event.