The floor was covered with fine sand, and taking all in all they were well pleased with it for want of a better.
"Perhaps," said Herbert, while he and Pencroft were working, "our companions have found a superior place to ours." "Very likely," replied the seaman; "but, as we don't know, we must work all the same.

Better to have two strings to one's bow than no string at all!" "Oh!" exclaimed Herbert, "how jolly it will be if they were to find Captain Harding and were to bring him back with them!" "Yes, indeed!" said Pencroft, "that was a man of the right sort." "Was!" exclaimed Herbert, "do you despair of ever seeing him again ?" "God forbid!" replied the sailor.

Their work was soon done, and Pencroft declared himself very well satisfied.
"Now," said he, "our friends can come back when they like.

They will find a good enough shelter." They now had only to make a fireplace and to prepare the supper--an easy task.

Large flat stones were placed on the ground at the opening of the narrow passage which had been kept.