saved him some labor--he broke open the chest, and found that the
weapons were apparently in excellent order.

He snapped the locks and squinted down the barrels of half a dozen to
test them. These he laid on one side. Then he rapidly constructed a
small raft from loose timbers, binding them roughly with rope, and to
this argosy he fastened the box of tea, the barrels of flour, the
broken saloon-chair, and other small articles which might be of use. He
avoided any difficulty in launching the raft by building it close to
the water's edge. When all was ready the rising tide floated it for
him; he secured it to his longest rope, and gave it a vigorous push off
into the lagoon. Then he slung four rifles across his shoulders, asked
Iris to carry the remaining two in like manner, and began to manoeuvre
the raft landwards.

"Whilst you land the goods I will prepare dinner," announced the girl.

"Please be careful not to slip again on the rocks," he said.

"Indeed I will. My ankle gives me a reminder at each step."

"I was more concerned about the rifles. If you fell you might damage
them, and the incoming tide will so hopelessly rust those I leave
behind that they will be useless."

She laughed. This assumption at brutality no longer deceived her.

"I will preserve them at any cost, though with six in our possession
there is a margin for accidents. However, to reassure you, I will go
back quickly. If I fall a second time you will still be able to replace