All these plans came to his mind as he stood there; and the prospect of once more doing something which was to help him to escape from his prison drove away the last vestige of his grief.  His courage again arose, hope revived, and he burst forth into a light and joyous song.  Very different was he now from the despairing lad who, but a short time before, had been pouring forth his tears of sorrow; and yet but a few minutes had passed since then.  The steamer was yet in sight down the bay, but Tom, who had lately been so frantic in his efforts to attract her attention, now cast a glance after her of perfect indifference.

And now it was necessary for him to return to the east end of the island, and look about for the means of putting into execution his plan for making a signal.

He started off on his return without any further delay.  The path back was as rough and toilsome as the way down had been; but Tom was now full of hope, and his elastic spirits had revived so thoroughly that he cared but little for the fatigue of the journey.  It was traversed at last, and he descended the slope to the place from which he had started.

His exploration of the island had been quite complete.  It seemed to him to be about a mile and a half in length, and a half a mile or so in width.  The east end, where he had first arrived, was the only place where it was at all desirable to stay.

Immediately on his arrival he examined the boat, and found it secure.  To his surprise it was now about sunset.  He had forgotten the lapse of time.  He was hungry; so he sat down, ate his biscuit, drank his water, and rested from the toils of the day.

XVI.

A Sign for the outer World.—­A Shelter for the Outcast’s Head.—­ Tom’s Camp and Camp-bed.—­A Search after Something to vary a too monotonous Diet.—­Brilliant Success.

Tom sat down after his eventful day, and took his evening meal, as has been said.  He rested then for some time.  His excessive labors had fatigued him less than the great excitement which he had undergone, and now he felt disinclined to exert himself.  But the sun had set, and darkness was coming on rapidly; so he rose, at last, and went over to the drift-wood.  Here, after a search of about half an hour, he found something which was very well suited to his purpose.  It was a piece of scantling about twenty feet long, and not very thick; and to this he saw that he could fasten the pole that he had made up in the woods.  These two pieces would make, when joined, a very good flag-staff.  These he brought up to the bank.  Then he collected an armful of dry chips and sticks, which he carried over to a spot near where the boat lay.  A rock was there, and against one side of this he built a pile of the chips.  He then tried a match, and found that it was quite dry, and lighted it without any difficulty.  With this he kindled the fire, and soon saw, with great satisfaction, a bright and cheerful blaze.