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The morning was as Godfrey had foreseen, no rain had fallen since the previous evening, and when he stepped forth from Will Tree, the first rays of the sun were lightly gilding the thick dome of the sequoias. Carefinotu was at his post, where he had passed the night. He was waiting.

In the evening the sky began to clear of the heavy clouds which the west wind had been accumulating since the commencement of the month, the rain gradually ceased, the sun gave forth a few crepuscular rays. It was to be hoped that the morning would yield a lull in the storm, of which it was advisable to make the most. "To-morrow," said Godfrey, "I will go out, and Carefinotu will go with me."

But this time half-smouldering embers and half-burnt wood proved clearly that the fire had been alight on the spot. "There has been some one here!" exclaimed Godfrey. "Some one not a moment ago! We must find out who!" He shouted. No response! Carefinotu gave a terrible yell. No one appeared!

Carefinotu, pointing with his arm towards the rounded angle which Phina Island made to the north-east, showed a column of smoke rising in the air like a long plume. "Again!" exclaimed Godfrey.

Kolderup," said Carefinotu, to whom we had better return his proper name of Jup Brass. "Yes, a real live crocodile, which went for Mr. Tartlet, and which I did not have in my collection!"

We must know why he hides himself! It will be for the safety of all!" A moment afterwards Carefinotu and he descended to the foot of Will Tree. Then Godfrey, informing Tartlet of what had passed and what he was going to do, proposed for him to accompany them to the north coast.

The black, resolved even at the risk of his life to finish the animal which perhaps was only wounded, did not or would not hear. Godfrey rushed after him. When he reached the bank, he saw Carefinotu struggling with the tiger, holding him by the throat, and at last stabbing him to the heart with a powerful blow.

The black, exceedingly frightened, stretched out his hand towards an animal which was standing motionless about fifty yards off. It was a grizzly bear, whose paws held the trunk of a tree, and who was swaying his big head up and down, as if he were going to rush at the two hunters. Immediately, without pausing to think, Godfrey loaded his gun, and fired before Carefinotu could hinder him.

Godfrey thought of using as a pipe some of those long stout bamboos which grew on certain parts of the river banks. It should be said that on this occasion he was greatly assisted by Carefinotu. The negro, not without effort, understood what Godfrey required. He it was who accompanied him for a couple of miles from Will Tree to select the larger bamboos, he it was who helped him build his hearth.

Suddenly an avalanche of animals appeared with a huge tumult along the front of Will Tree. It was only the goats and sheep and agouties. Terrified at the howling of the wild beasts, and scenting their approach, they had fled from their pasturage to take shelter behind the palisade. "We must open the door!" exclaimed Godfrey. Carefinotu nodded his head.