CHAPTER VI.
THE ISLAND OF DESOLATION.
I am monarch of all I survey, My right there is none to dispute: From the centre all round to the sea I am lord of the fowl and the brute.
O Solitude! where are the charms That sages have seen in thy face?
Better dwell in the midst of alarms Than reign in this horrible place.
-- COWPER.
Next morning Stevens went to find the animal, at whose eyes he had fired during the night; but it was gone without leaving even a trace of blood behind it.

The boat had sustained some damages during the night from the surf dashing it against the rocks; but he managed to reach the wreck with it, where he quickly mended the seam started in its side.
He brought away a cask of fresh water, a chest of sea-biscuit, some Holland cheese, wine, salt pork and more dried fish.

After they had dined, they set out to the nearest mountain, from the peak of which they hoped to get a survey of the surrounding country.

He tried to induce Blanche to remain, but she insisted on accompanying him.
Nothing is more deceitful than distance, and they were compelled to pause and rest before they had reached the bluffs and foot-hills at the base of the mountain.

While resting there, they heard a scampering of feet, accompanied by the loud snort of frightened animals flying from the plateau above them.