STORY OF THE BROTHERS STOLTENHOFF. 107 
The month of June I spent in our hut at the top, that of 
July in a cave — the latter the better habitation during cold 
weather. I saw my brother nearly every day, and unless 
prevented by a high wind or high surf, we could hold a sort 
of conversation. Gustav, whilst below, saw a large iron ship, 
filled with people, pass within a mile of the hut. This 
happened during the first lull after a heavy gale, with thick 
weather. When seen, the crew were employed making sail 
to clear the island. 
During this winter we suffered no great privation, always 
having enough to eat, although consisting of pig’s flesh 
only. Of flour, rice, potatoes, or vegetables, I was destitute. 
I had a little tea ; no tobacco. My brother was no better 
off. As soon as the penguins began to lay, we set to work, 
collecting their eggs, and were living on them, chiefly fried 
in pig’s fat, when the Challenger hove in sight. At this 
time I had left my rifle, with about fifty rounds of ammuni- 
tion, in the cave. Although the piece had burst in two 
places, it was still in a sufficiently good condition to shoot a 
pig. The fowling-piece burst, and was of little use except as 
blow-pipe to freshen up the fire. Our knives we had lost 
amongst the high grass, and the saw furnished steel enough 
for half a dozen knives in their place. We placed the saw in 
a fire, and cut off the knives with our chisel, hardening the 
iron, then placed it in a handle, and it was ready for use. 
Our clothes were still in wearable order ; boots and shoes we 
were in want of, although mocassins had taken their place. 
The medicine, providentially, had not been required ; neither 
of us was sick a day. Eight or nine pounds of coffee 
was still left, and about one pound of tea; four bottles 
of vinegar remained, but their contents were spoiled. When 
together, the days on which we were confined to our hut 
by rain passed heavily. Our library consistiug of only eight 
books and an atlas, its contents are well known by us 
both. 
