Harry tried to calm his agitation, but it was no easy matter to do so. The hardships and anxiety he was going through told on the young boy's nerves, well-strung as they were; as also on those of many others aboard. Poor Mrs Morley struggled bravely; her daughters, feeling their situation not the less keenly, exerted themselves to the utmost to console her. The launch was still a considerable distance from the rocky island when daylight appeared. Harry, now once more easing off the sheets, stood towards it, proposing to go round, and stand in on the other side, knowing that on the weather side landing would be difficult. As they approached, several parts of the rock were seen covered with white patches, and on drawing nearer, these patches appeared to be moving. "Why, I believe, those are birds!" exclaimed Willy. "See, there are hundreds of them. They appear to me to be arranged in rows one above another on the higher ledges of the rock." "They are penguins, I have no doubt," exclaimed the doctor. "Though they themselves are not very palatable food, their eggs, if any remain unhatched, will afford us some substantial meals. We shall not starve if we can get at them." The sun was very hot, and there was a great demand for water; but the doctor would only serve out half-a-gill to each person. He knew full well that in a short time the last drops would be reached, and that then their suffering, hitherto but moderate, would be greatly increased. The wind fell, and once more the oars were got out. As the rock was approached, it was evident that too much surf was breaking on it to allow of landing on that side. The boat was therefore rowed round it; and after coasting along the shore for a short distance, a small sheltered cove was found, into which they gladly ran. For the first time for many a day the wanderers at length stepped on firm ground. The ladies were first assisted to land, but they could with difficulty walk, after being cramped up for so long a time. "I am afraid the island will afford but short rambles," observed Harry; "but we need fear no savages or wild animals." "The first thing to look out for, boys, is water," exclaimed the doctor; "though, by the appearance of these rocks, it may be a hard matter to find." While the females of the party preferred remaining near the little cove, the rest rambled away in search of the much-desired fluid. The doctor had taken his rifle, and Willy, by his direction, carried an axe in his belt, and a spar sharpened at the end. "You observe, Dicey," said the doctor, "if we come upon any soft place, we shall, by driving this spar into it, more readily ascertain whether water is below."