Page 214 - for-the-term-of-his-natural-life

contents should not be touched except in case of sickness,
or in last extremity. There was no lack of water, for a spring
ran bubbling from the rocks within a hundred yards of the
spot where the party had landed. They calculated that, with
prudence, their provisions would last them for nearly four
weeks.
It was found, upon a review of their possessions, that
they had among them three pocket knives, a ball of string,
two pipes, matches and a fig of tobacco, fishing lines with
hooks, and a big jack-knife which Frere had taken to gut the
fish he had expected to catch. But they saw with dismay that
there was nothing which could be used axe-wise among the
party. Mrs. Vickers had her shawl, and Bates a pea-jacket,
but Frere and Grimes were without extra clothing. It was
agreed that each should retain his own property, with the
exception of the fishing lines, which were confiscated to the
commonwealth.
Having made these arrangements, the kettle, filled with
water from the spring, was slung from three green sticks
over the fire, and a pannikin of weak tea, together with a
biscuit, served out to each of the party, save Grimes, who
declared himself unable to eat. Breakfast over, Bates made
a damper, which was cooked in the ashes, and then another
council was held as to future habitation.
It was clearly evident that they could not sleep in the
open air. It was the middle of summer, and though no an-
noyance from rain was apprehended, the heat in the middle
of the day was most oppressive. Moreover, it was absolutely
necessary that Mrs. Vickers and the child should have some

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