“That’s the way the Micmacs manage,” said Bart. “And they wouldn’t look at a lobster that came out of a pot.” Ranging themselves around the lobster, in front of the fire, the boys now began their repast. One and all pronounced it glorious. It was salt enough and juicy enough to satisfy the most delicate palate; and the severe exercise and long fast of the boys had given them appetites which would have made a worse dish acceptable. “Well, boys,” said Bart, “here we are on a desert island, without a penny in our pockets; but it isn’t a bad place, after all.” “I wonder if they will hunt after us.” “Of course they will.” “They ought to see this fire, at any rate.” “I thought of that, and expected to see some signs of them before this.” “Perhaps it’s too foggy.” “O, if they were within a mile of us, they’d see that light.” “I should think, if they came after us, they would have been within that distance.” “O, we can’t tell. They may have got into another direction altogether.” “Well, I suppose they’ll find us some time.” “I’m sure I don’t care.” “Nor do I.” “Nor I.” “Nor I.” “We’ll have to prepare for life on a desert island. To-morrow we’ll explore it, and build Our camp. It’s lucky we have a hatchet and a pistol.” “It’s lucky we have lobsters.” “O, we’ll find lots of other things. There are sea-gulls’ eggs, I’ll bet.” “And clams.” “And perhaps oysters.” “We’ll have to organize a government, and build a town. Wigwams will make the best houses.” “No--spruce camps.” “O, wigwams are the only things that will keep the rain off.” “I wonder if we can find any birch bark.” “We must explore to-morrow.” “There’s one thing more to do to-night,” said Arthur. “For my part, I don’t want to have to run down to that miserable boat every ten minutes till high tide. I’ve had enough of her for one day. We must get her up now. There’s a lot of round sticks in that pile, and we can use them as rollers; so let’s go and get the boat up now.” This proposition was at once acted on. Four good round sticks were found, and some others to serve as levers. With these the boys started off to move the boat. They found it hard work, but practicable. The progress was slow, and it took a good hour; but at last they had the satisfaction of seeing the boat above high-water mark, and fastened to a piece of projecting rock. Then they selected sleeping places, and spread their beds. After this they heaped up fresh fuel, and sat around the fire, making a hundred plans for their desert life. Arthur was the only one who did anything. He had found a piece of tough spruce, and with hatchet, and knife was busily shaping it into an oar. At last they all retired to their beds, and slept. VIII. _Blue Sky.--Building a House.--The Signal Staff.--A fatal Disgust.--Mournful Forebodings._