Other yams were then cut up, and laid among the hot embers to bake.
After this the boys took a few half-burned sticks, carried them to another spot, added fresh fuel, and made another fire; and then signed to the natives to do the same.

In a short time a dozen fires were blazing, and the whole population were engaged in grilling venison, and in boiling and baking yams.

The boys were both good trenchermen, but they were astounded at the quantity of food which the Patagonians disposed of.
By night time the entire stock of meat in the village was exhausted, and the chief motioned to the boys that, in the morning, he should go out with a party to lay in a great stock of venison.
To this they made signs that they would accompany the expedition.
While the feasting had been going on, the lads had wandered away with two of the Indian bows and arrows.

The bows were much shorter than those to which they were accustomed, and required far less strength to pull.

The wood of which the bows were formed was tough and good, and as the boys had both the handiness of sailors and, like all lads of that period, had some knowledge of bow making, they returned to the camp, and obtained two more of the strongest bows in the possession of the natives.