"We ought to try and get some," said Willy, "for though this seal's flesh will do for us and the men, the poor ladies require more delicate food." Captain Twopenny and the doctor at once crept up towards the birds, and soon killed a dozen; for they, being evidently in happy ignorance of the effect of fire-arms, were not frightened at the report of the guns. Willy also succeeded in bringing down three with his gun. It was quite dark, as the boat, with her welcome supply of provisions, crossed the harbour, the light from the camp-fire serving as a beacon by which Willy could steer his course. The weather had been somewhat threatening, the wind freshened up, and deeply laden as was the boat, they were afraid that she might be swamped before they could reach the shore. At length, however, they got safely to land, and found the party still busy in putting up huts. Mrs Rumbelow was was among the first to welcome them. As soon as she saw the wild-fowl, she begged for a couple, and began picking them on her way back to the fire. The seals and the remainder of the birds were quickly landed, and an ample supply of their flesh was soon either boiling over the fire or roasting before it. Mrs Rumbelow prepared with the birds a more delicate meal for the ladies than the seal-flesh could afford. Willy had the satisfaction of taking it to them, with the last plateful of biscuit crumbs which remained. One of the compass lamps had been hung up to give light to the tent within which the four ladies were seated. "The doctor says that he hopes to-morrow to find some roots which may serve instead of bread," observed Willy; "and he begs, Mrs Morley, that you will accept the last apology for wheaten bread we are likely to have for some time." "Pray, thank the doctor, and we hope that you will share it with us, Mr Dicey," said Mrs Morley. "No, no, marm!" answered Willy, laughing at the bare thought of such a thing. "Mr Shafto has determined that the officers and men shall share alike, and we have all agreed to abide by his wishes." The arrangement for the night had scarcely yet been completed, but the people were so hungry that Harry Shafto allowed them to knock off work, that they might cook the seal-flesh which had just arrived. Three fires had been lit, round which eager faces were collected, some toasting pieces of seal-flesh on the ends of sticks, others more scientifically roasting them on spits, while Mrs Rumbelow was cooking more of the wild-fowl reserved for the women. Close to these fires were the huts just erected, of various shapes, some like Indian wigwams, others with circular roofs, others of a more square form, as the fancy of the architects had dictated; while beyond them was the more pretentious tent composed of the boats' sails.