CHAPTER NINE.
GAGGING A GAVIAL.
After finishing their dinner of durions, the three men again sallied forth, to see whether something more substantial could be found for a later repast--either flesh, fowl, or fish.

As before, they went in different directions--Captain Redwood into the forest, Murtagh up the stream, and Saloo along the sea-beach, where he waded out into the water, still in the hope of picking up another large oyster.

He took with him a stalk of bamboo, pointed at one end, to be used as a probe in the soft bottom in case any oysters might be lying _perdu_ beneath the sand.
Henry and Helen were again left to themselves, but this time they were not to remain seated under any tree--at least, not all the time.

The father, before leaving, had enjoined upon both of them to take a bath; ablution having become very necessary on account of their having been so long cribbed up in the somewhat dirty pinnace.

It would be also of service in promoting their restoration to health and strength.