From the turning which directed its course to the southwest, the river narrowed gradually and the channel lay between high banks, over which the trees formed a double arch.Pencroft, lest they should lose themselves, resolved to follow the course of the stream, which would always lead them back to the point from which they started.But the bank was not without some obstacles: here, the flexible branches of the trees bent level with the current; there, creepers and thorns which they had to break down with their sticks.Herbert often glided among the broken stumps with the agility of a young cat, and disappeared in the underwood.But Pencroft called him back directly, begging him not to wander away.Meanwhile, the sailor attentively observed the disposition and nature of the surrounding country.On the left bank, the ground, which was flat and marshy, rose imperceptibly towards the interior.It looked there like a network of liquid threads which doubtless reached the river by some underground drain.
Sometimes a stream ran through the underwood, which they crossed without difficulty.The opposite shore appeared to be more uneven, and the valley of which the river occupied the bottom was more clearly visible.The hill, covered with trees disposed in terraces, intercepted the view.On the right bank walking would have been difficult, for the declivities fell suddenly, and the trees bending over the water were only sustained by the strength of their roots.
It is needless to add that this forest, as well as the coast already surveyed, was destitute of any sign of human life.Pencroft only saw traces of quadrupeds, fresh footprints of animals, of which he could not recognize the species.In all probability, and such was also Herbert's opinion, some had been left by formidable wild beasts which doubtless would give them some trouble; but nowhere did they observe the mark of an axe on the trees, nor the ashes of a fire, nor the impression of a human foot.On this they might probably congratulate themselves, for on any land in the middle of the Pacific the presence of man was perhaps more to be feared than desired.
Herbert and Pencroft speaking little, for the difficulties of the way were great, advanced very slowly, and after walking for an hour they had scarcely gone more than a mile.As yet the hunt had not been successful.
However, some birds sang and fluttered in the foliage, and appeared very timid, as if man had inspired them with an instinctive fear.Among others, Herbert described, in a marshy part of the forest, a bird with a long pointed beak, closely resembling the king-fisher, but its plumage was not fine, though of a metallic brilliancy.
"That must be a jacamar," said Herbert, trying to get nearer.
"This will be a good opportunity to taste jacamar," replied the sailor, "if that fellow is in a humor to be roasted!"Just then, a stone cleverly thrown by the boy, struck the creature on the wing, but the blow did not disable it, and the jacamar ran off and disappeared in an instant.
"How clumsy I am!" cried Herbert.
"No, no, my boy!" replied the sailor."The blow was well aimed; many a one would have missed it altogether! Come, don't be vexed with yourself.We shall catch it another day!"As the hunters advanced, the trees were found to be more scattered, many being magnificent, but none bore eatable fruit.Pencroft searched in vain for some of those precious palm-trees which am employed in so many ways in domestic life, and which have been found as far as the fortieth parallel in the Northern Hemisphere, and to the thirty-filth only in the Southern Hemisphere.But this forest was only composed of coniferae, such as deodaras, already recognized by Herbert, and Douglas pine, similar to those which grow on the northwest coast of America, and splendid firs, measuring a hundred and fifty feet in height.
At this moment a flock of birds, of a small size and pretty plumage, with long glancing tails, dispersed themselves among the branches strewing their feathers, which covered the ground as with fine down.Herbert picked up a few of these feathers, and after having examined them,--"These are couroucous," said he.
"I should prefer a moor-cock or guinea-fowl," replied Pencroft, "still, if they are good to eat--""They are good to eat, and also their flesh is very delicate," replied Herbert."Besides, if I don't mistake, it is easy to approach and kill them with a stick."The sailor and the lad, creeping among the grass, arrived at the foot of a tree, whose lower branches were covered with little birds.The couroucous were waiting the passage of insects which served for their nourishment.
Their feathery feet could be seen clasping the slender twigs which supported them.
The hunters then rose, and using their sticks like scythes, they mowed down whole rows of these couroucous, who never thought of flying away, and stupidly allowed themselves to be knocked off.A hundred were already heaped on the ground, before the others made up their minds to fly.