Besides, we must keep our supplies dry." They decided to make a small log cabin, and, with this end in view, Bob, the two sailors, and Mr.Carr set off into the woods to hew down trees for this purpose.
Captain Spark and Mr.Tarbill remained behind to get the camp in better shape after the storm.

The commander also wished to take a sun observation that noon and work out the position of the island.
As Bob and his three companions were going through the wood, they were surprised to see several birds of brilliant plumage.

Some of them sang sweetly.
"That's a good sign!" exclaimed Mr.Carr.
"Why ?" asked Bob.
"Because if there are birds on this small island, it shows that there must be a larger island not far away.

Birds of this kind live in large forests, and as there are none here, on account of the size of this island, that shows they must come from some other one, or from the mainland." "I hope you're right," said Bob.

"We might be able to get to some other island in the gig, and then we would stand a better chance of being rescued." When the little party got back to camp, carrying a number of poles for the beginning of the hut, they found Captain Spark preparing to take an observation, as it was nearly noon.