Presently, however, the man who appeared to be the chief set the example of carefully tasting a piece.

He gave an exclamation of satisfaction, and soon all were engaged upon the food.
When they had finished, Ned threw some more sticks on the fire, and as these burst into flames and then consumed away, the amazement of the natives was intense.

Ned then made signs to them to pull up some bushes, and cast on the fire.

They all set to work with energy, and soon a huge pile was raised on the fire.

At first great volumes of white smoke only poured up, then the leaves crackled, and presently a tongue of flame shot up, rising higher and higher, till a great bonfire blazed away, far above their heads.