He wished to reconnoiter Lake Grant, so magnificently framed in trees.

They therefore followed the crest of one of the spurs, between which the creek that supplied the lake probably had its source.

In talking, the settlers already employed the names which they had just chosen, which singularly facilitated the exchange of their ideas.

Herbert and Pencroft--the one young and the other very boyish--were enchanted, and while walking, the sailor said, "Hey, Herbert! how capital it sounds! It will be impossible to lose ourselves, my boy, since, whether we follow the way to Lake Grant, or whether we join the Mercy through the woods of the Far West, we shall be certain to arrive at Prospect Heights, and, consequently, at Union Bay!" It had been agreed, that without forming a compact band, the settlers should not stray away from each other.

It was very certain that the thick forests of the island were inhabited by dangerous animals, and it was prudent to be on their guard.