Page:Adrift in the Pacific, Sampson Low, 1889.djvu/109

Rh prepare for the winter, at least next, they could finish the exploration of their island.

Resolutely they set to work. Experience had taught them how cold the winter could be. For weeks, for months even, bad weather might oblige them to remain in the hall, and they must above all things be prepared against cold and hunger, the two enemies they had most to fear.

To fight the cold in French Den was only a question of fuel; and the autumn, short as it might be, could not close until Gordon had enough wood in store to keep the stoves going night and day. But ought not something to be done for the domestic animals in the enclosure and poultry yard? To shelter them in the store-room would not be very pleasant, and would certainly be unwise from a health point of view. Hence the need of making the shed more habitable, and of heating it by means of a fire-place which could always keep the air at a fair temperature. And during the first months of the new year Baxter, Briant, Service, and Moko were busily employed in this matter.

In the equally important task of provisioning the Den for the long winter, Donagan and his companions found quite enough to do. Every day they visited the traps, snares, and nets. Whatever was caught, and was not required for daily use, went to swell the reserves of salted or smoked meat, which Moko was preparing with much care.

But an exploring expedition was urgently called for; not to explore the whole of the unknown territories of Charman Island, but those only to the east of Family Lake. Did these consist of forest, marsh, or sand-hills? Had they any new resorces which might be used?

One day Briant had a talk with Gordon on the subject treating it from a new point of view.

"Although Baudoin's map may be fairly correct, said he, "it is desirable that we should explore the eastern side for ourselves. We have good glasses,