WRECK OF THE CHALLENGER, 123 



now posted regularly there throughout the night, 

 to keep the signal fires supplied with fuel. 

 Three midshipmen were permanently estab- 

 hshed in this hut, which was large enough to 

 hold the party of men who joined them every 

 evening, at dusk, to arrange the fires. Some of 

 the officers, who were rambling over the hills 

 above the camp, discovered the skulls and ske- 

 letons of several Indians. They were accounted 

 for by the Chilians, as some of the many who 

 fell in the time of the rebel Benivedes, who, 

 with the Indians to assist him, had made this 

 neighbourhood the scene of many battles against 

 the Chilinos. 



June 26. — It rained throughout the night, 

 and drenched the camp, causing most serious 

 discomfort to the sick and invalids. Two offi- 

 cers were despatched to ascertain the truth of 

 the report of the burning the wreck, which was 

 confirmed on their return, scarcely a vestige re- 

 maining. The force of the surf had washed up 

 on the beach several of the tanks, which the In- 

 dians were examining. The crew employed in 

 drying and airing clothes and bedding. The 

 mice continued their destructive attacks on us. 

 At 5 p. M. a sail was reported to be in sight 



