It was composed, for the
most part, of branches of trees and inclosed an inner space of about
fifteen feet in diameter. They gathered large quantities of leaves,
which were spread upon the ground for beds.
"That's softer than our bunks aboard ship," said Bates.
"Yes," said Robert. "I wouldn't wish any better bed. It is easy to build
and furnish a house of your own here."
"The next thing is dinner," said his companion.
"Shall we go to market?" asked Robert, with a smile.
"We'll find a market just outside."
"You mean the trees?"
"Yes; we'll find our dinner already cooked on them."
The fruit of which they partook freely was quite sweet and palatable.
Still, one kind of food cloys after a time, and so our new settlers
found it. Besides, it was not very substantial, and failed to keep up
their wonted strength. This set them to looking up some other article
which might impart variety to their fare. At last they succeeded in
finding an esculent root, which they partook of at first with some
caution, fearing that it might be unwholesome. Finding, however, that
eating it produced no unpleasant effects, they continued the use of it.
Even this, however, failed to afford them as much variety as they
wished.
"I feel as if I should like some fish for breakfast," said Robert one
morning, on waking up.
"So should I, lad," returned Bates.
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