"See, I will tie them up in my handkerchief, and sling them round my neck," said Willy, securing the nest as he proposed. The young parrots were, as may be supposed, a constant care to him for the rest of the journey. Peter every now and then looked into the handkerchief as it hung at his back, declaring that the birds were getting on very well, only opening their mouths as if they wanted to be fed. They seemed to like the berries which had been found, and meeting with another bush, Peter collected a supply to feed them with. At length it grew so dark that they could with difficulty see their way. They were about to encamp, when Willy caught sight of the lights in the village, far below them. Just then they got into a seal-track, along which they proceeded. "Look out, Peter, lest we should find a lion in the path," said Willy. He had scarcely spoken when a bellow was heard close to them. It was repeated in all directions. "I don't quite like it," exclaimed Peter. "Can those horrible noises really be made only by seals?" "No doubt about that," said the doctor. "They are not likely to attack us, and the best thing we can do is to push on." To those not aware of the cause, the loud bellows which resounded through the woods would have indeed seemed terrific. Once or twice one of the monsters was seen scrambling among the bushes, but was soon out of sight, and none appeared to be combatively disposed. At length the lower ground was reached, and in a short time they were welcomed by their friends at the village. Harry Shafto was especially thankful when he received the report of the doctor; and it was arranged that the next morning, as soon as some more spades could be manufactured, a party should set out to dig roots, while Captain Twopenny volunteered to lead another in search of hogs. "At all events, I trust we need have no fear of dying of starvation," Harry remarked in a tone which showed the relief he felt. "Had it not been for you, doctor, however, I confess we should have been badly off." Willy awoke at early dawn to feed his parrots, which were chattering away at his ear. As soon as breakfast was over, he took them up to the Miss Morleys. "I have brought an addition to your menagerie," he said, exhibiting his prizes; "but as they are nearly fledged, you must find some means of preventing them from flying away." "Oh, I hope we may tame them sufficiently to make them wish to stay with us," said Emma. "What pretty little lively creatures. We are so much obliged to you, Mr Dicey." "Perhaps Mrs Twopenny would like to have one," said Fanny. "And do you not wish to retain one yourself?"