I mention this, as it bears with importance upon our subsequent history.
"A temporary shelter was erected; a large pole with a white flag fastened to it, as a signal to any passing vessel, was set up; and the captain, with two of his men, set out to explore the island.
They were gone for two days.

On returning, they reported no inhabitants, but plenty of good game, if any way could be devised to take it.

No vessel appearing, after the lapse of some twelve or fifteen days, the men set about building for us a more comfortable place of shelter.

One of these men had been a carpenter, and as an axe and saw, and some few tools, had come ashore on pieces of the wreck, and in chests, he was enabled to put up a very comfortable tenement, with an apartment for me partitioned off from the main room.
"Here we remained for I can scarcely tell how long.

It was, I believe, for about a year and a half; during which time two of the men died, and our party was reduced to four.