The month of December ended, and with it the year 1867, during which the colonists of Lincoln Island had of late been so severely tried.  They commenced the year 1868 with magnificent weather, great heat, and a tropical temperature, delightfully cooled by the sea-breeze.  Herbert’s recovery progressed, and from his bed, placed near one of the windows of Granite House, he could inhale the fresh air, charged with ozone, which could not fail to restore his health.  His appetite returned, and what numberless delicate, savory little dishes Neb prepared for him!

“It is enough to make one wish to have a fever oneself!” said Pencroft.

During all this time, the convicts did not once appear in the vicinity of Granite House.  There was no news of Ayrton, and though the engineer and Herbert still had some hopes of finding him again, their companions did not doubt but that the unfortunate man had perished.  However, this uncertainty could not last, and when once the lad should have recovered, the expedition, the result of which must be so important, would be undertaken.  But they would have to wait a month, perhaps, for all the strength of the colony must be put into requisition to obtain satisfaction from the convicts.

However, Herbert’s convalescence progressed rapidly.  The congestion of the liver had disappeared, and his wounds might be considered completely healed.

During the month of January, important work was done on the plateau of Prospect Heights; but it consisted solely in saving as much as was possible from the devastated crops, either of corn or vegetables.  The grain and the plants were gathered, so as to provide a new harvest for the approaching half-season.  With regard to rebuilding the poultry-yard, wall, or stables, Cyrus Harding preferred to wait.  While he and his companions were in pursuit of the convicts, the latter might very probably pay another visit to the plateau, and it would be useless to give them an opportunity of recommencing their work of destruction. when the island should be cleared of these miscreants, they would set about rebuilding.  The young convalescent began to get up in the second week of January, at first for one hour a day, then two, then three.  His strength visibly returned, so vigorous was his constitution.  He was now eighteen years of age.  He was tall, and promised to become a man of noble and commanding presence.  From this time his recovery, while still requiring care,—­and Dr. Spilett was very strict,—­made rapid progress.  Towards the end of the month, Herbert was already walking about on Prospect Heights, and the beach.

He derived, from several sea-baths, which he took in company with Pencroft and Neb, the greatest possible benefit.  Cyrus Harding thought he might now settle the day for their departure, for which the 15th of February was fixed.  The nights, very clear at this time of year, would be favorable to the researches they intended to make all over the island.