Even the couroucous were invisible, and it was probable that the sailor would be obliged to return to the marshy part of the forest, in which he had so happily performed his grouse fishing.
"Well, Pencroft," said Neb, in a slightly sarcastic tone, "if this is all the game which you promised to bring back to my master, it won't need a large fire to roast it!" "Have patience," replied the sailor, "it isn't the game which will be wanting on our return." "Have you not confidence in Captain Harding ?" "Yes." "But you don't believe that he will make fire ?" "I shall believe it when the wood is blazing in the fireplace." "It will blaze, since my master has said so." "We shall see!" Meanwhile, the sun had not reached the highest point in its course above the horizon.

The exploration, therefore, continued, and was usefully marked by a discovery which Herbert made of a tree whose fruit was edible.

This was the stone-pine, which produces an excellent almond, very much esteemed in the temperate regions of America and Europe.

These almonds were in a perfect state of maturity, and Herbert described them to his companions, who feasted on them.
"Come," said Pencroft, "sea-weed by way of bread, raw mussels for meat, and almonds for dessert, that's certainly a good dinner for those who have not a single match in their pocket!" "We mustn't complain," said Herbert.
"I am not complaining, my boy," replied Pencroft, "only I repeat, that meat is a little too much economized in this sort of meal." "Top has found something!" cried Neb, who ran towards a thicket, in the midst of which the dog had disappeared, barking.

With Top's barking were mingled curious gruntings.
The sailor and Herbert had followed Neb.