They went through a regular drill, in squads, which is the habit of those queer but unclean birds.

The smell from them was almost overpowering.
They would stand straight up in long rows, looking wise and solemn, while two very dignified birds marched up and down in front of the lines for all the world like military grandees reviewing a dress parade.

Their drill must have occupied at least two hours, then the ranks were broken and they went into the sea in search of fish.
Paul's suffering from thirst became almost intolerable, his tongue was swollen and his mind was being affected.

At last he saw the smoke of the steamer as the sun was going down.

He was seized with an idea that she would miss him in the darkness and he decided to return and give himself up if she did, preferring to be shot rather than to die of thirst on that desolate island.