Then other poles had been bound together for the roof, and over these an abundant thatching of palm leaves had been laid and laced on with rattan till there was a water-tight roof, and in addition one end was furnished with palm-leaf walls.
"That will keep us dry if the rain comes," said the captain, after due praise had been awarded for the energy displayed.

"But now, quick: have a wash, and we'll dine.

Every one is hungry." Mark's eyes twinkled as he saw the preparations.

Palm leaves were spread in two places, but the food supply was the same for all; and if they were going to feed as well during their stay on the island, they felt that they would not have much cause to complain.
Food is so important a matter in our everyday life that, even without being sybarites, one may pause to give an account of the savage banquet prepared in the rock kitchen by the captain's and major's wives, aided by Mary O'Halloran, whilst the rest were busy hunting and building.
There was another fish secured by Small, similar to the one Mark had caught, about two dozen little roast cockatoos, and an ample supply of baked shell-fish.

These delicacies were supplemented by plenty of cocoa-nut milk and wild fruit, some of which was delicious.
"I never had a better dinner in my life," said the major.