The full light of day revealed the fact that the reef which was of great length was only a few feet wide and separated from the main land by an inlet of water.  The first thing that the Captain did was to order the Chinamen to take what was left of the sails and build themselves tents; then he gave his attention to the question of the water supply.

“We must cross to the main land and get some drinking water,” he said, “for we have only one cask left.”

“Just enough to last the big boat on its trip to Australia,” whispered Redfox to the Captain.  “You and I and Gray, and a couple of the strongest of the young fellows will attempt the journey.  Let Green and the boys stay here with the Chinamen until we bring help.  Our plans will come out all right after all.  The half million for which the ship is insured will be ours—­and we shall be able to take it with a clear conscience, too.”

“No, Redfox, enough of your machinations.  I have resolved to turn over a new leaf, and to do good hereafter, that is, if there is any good left in me.  We must fix up these people the best that we can with the wreckage of the ship, build a fort for them yonder on that little brook, and give them arms and provisions, then we will cast lots as to who is to go in the open boat to the nearest Australian port.”

The Captain went on then with preparations for crossing to the island for drinking water and edible fruits.  Unfortunately the powder and firearms were all under water, so that the men had to make the dangerous landing armed only with clubs and knives.  The Captain led the party, taking with him four sailors, a dozen or more Chinamen, and small Peppo to act as interpreter.  Willy would have gone gladly, but his uncle would not hear to his risking his life unnecessarily.

“I’ll pray for you, uncle,” said the boy, “that it won’t go with you as—­as—­”

“As certain people had planned it for you and others,” the uncle finished the sentence of the faltering child.  “Yes, pray that the old saying that ‘He who digs a grave for another, himself falls therein,’ may not be fulfilled.”  Turning to Redfox, he asked:  “Don’t you want to go with me?”

The latter muttered something under his breath and slipped away.  The Captain gave the signal and soon they were on the opposite shore.  A group of natives came down to greet them, seemingly in friendly fashion, offered them fruit, and helped to roll the casks up on the beach; then all of a sudden with unearthly shrieks they fell upon them with their clubs.  With difficulty the Captain and two sailors managed to get into the boat and across the inlet, to where their companions, pale with fear, stood shuddering to think of the awful fate of their comrades.

“Poor, poor Peppo,” wailed Willy, “can’t we help him?  Will he be eaten up by the cannibals?”

Immediately there appeared on the shore whole troops of cannibals, and more poured out of the woods.  Swinging their clubs and giving frightful war cries they challenged the intruders to do battle with them.