Page:Adrift in the Pacific, Sampson Low, 1889.djvu/90

 it would not freeze on its way to the store-room. This would have been a difficult job if Baxter had not had at his disposal the leaden pipes of the yacht; and so, after many attempts, the water was at last laid on into the interior of the store-room. For lighting there was still enough oil for the lanterns, but after the winter it would be necessary to make candles out of the fat which Moko carefully preserved.

The feeding of the little colony was another subject of more trouble during this time, for neither the shooters nor the fishermen could furnish their usual tribute. A few animals, driven by hunger, came prowling about Game Terrace; but these were the jackals that Donagan and Cross scared away with the report of a gun. One day they came in a troop — there were about twenty of them — and the doors of the hall and store-room had to be closed against them. An invasion of beasts made fierce by hunger was a formidable affair. However, Fan gave the alarm in time, and they did not force their way into French Den.

Under these unfortunate conditions Moko was obliged to attack the provisions from the yacht, which it had been agreed to make last as long as possible. Gordon never gave his permission willingly for them to be used, and it was with disgust he saw his column of expenses lengthening while that of his receipts remained stationary. However, as there was a large stock of ducks and bustards which had been sealed in casks after being half cooked, Moko was able to make use of them, in addition to a certain quantity of salmon preserved in brine. But it should not be forgotten that French Den had fifteen mouths to satisfy, and these with appetities of from eight tp fourteen years old.

Nevertheless, during this winter, there was not an entire want of fresh meat. Wilcox, who was quite an expert in trapping, kept several" figure of 4" traps going on the river-bank with success, and with the aid of his companions he rigged up a few vertical nets on