THE BUEIAL. 287 



and at intervals half whimpered, as does a hound when 

 dreaming of the chase. 



Before establishing ourselves for the night, we made 

 a thorough examination of the island, and j^osted one of 

 the men on the upjoer end, to act as sentinel in case any 

 canoes were seen, as they would necessarily have to ap- 

 proach from that way. Then one tent w^as raised for 

 Lou, the smoldering fire was rekindled, being first 

 sheltered from observation by the tent, and by a screen 

 of bushes, and we addressed ourselves to sleep, though 

 this was done more to encourage the men to take some 

 rest than from any desire on the part of the others for for- 

 getfulness. Some lay down, and soon were oblivious of 

 all earthly Troubles; others dozed, and started, and 

 mused by turns ; only Lem, of all the negroes, seemed 

 to keep fully awake, and his low moanings were pitiable 

 to hear. The night was perfectly still, and the same 

 familiar cries came from the marsh that we had so often 

 listened to ; but now they had a mocking sound. The 

 *' stars dreamed their path through the sky," and with 

 the waning moon made a thin light that seemed cold 

 and ghostly, and a mist arose from the sea — the sure pre- 

 cursor of a storm. 



Mike presently left the camp, and walked down by 

 the beach, and the Doctor and I followed him, 

 for the purpose of talking, and arranging some plan 

 for the morrow. 



"Well, Mike, what are we to do with Jackson ?" said 

 the Doctor, after we had taken a long look at each other. 



