At first he was inclined to bury it where it lay, but he disliked the idea of Iris walking unconsciously over the place.

No time could be wasted that day.

He would seize an early opportunity to act as grave-digger.
After an absence of little more than an hour he rejoined the girl.

She saw him from afar, and wondered whence he obtained the axe he shouldered.
"You are a successful explorer," she cried when he drew near.
"Yes, Miss Deane.

I have found water, implements, a shelter, even light." "What sort of light--spiritual, or material ?" "Oil." "Oh!" Iris could not remain serious for many consecutive minutes, but she gathered that he was in no mood for frivolity.
"And the shelter--is it a house ?" she continued.
"No, a cave.