THE DISAPPEARING ISLAND. 155 



very summit of the low ridge a solitary gull's 

 egg was discovered. 



"Not much, certainly, to furnish instruction 

 or entertainment," said the doctor, " but it shows 

 that even here a purpose has been served, and 

 one of God's creatures has found a home." 



There was no attempt made to rob that 

 home, and the egg was left to be hatched by 

 the hot sun and bring forth the little gull 

 that would certainly be the Robinson Crusoe 

 of the birds, as Tom said, and in full posses- 

 sion. 



The reef off shore offering more inducements, 

 the party boarded the boat again, and after a 

 sail to the south came to anchor on the edge of 

 the channel. 



" How low the water is ! " said Dick, pointing 

 to the tips of branch coral which appeared above 

 water. " Suppose we wade out, boys." 



"Very well," said the doctor. "Take the 

 dinghy to put your finds in, and John will at- 

 tend to the lunch, after which we can try the 

 fishing." 



Shoving off the dinghy, they waded along, 



