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AN ISLAND NOT ALTOGETHER DESERTED
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northwest. "Am I mistaken or is that a hut over there?" he questioned, pointing with his long forefinger in the direction.

All of the party took a long look. Larry and Striker were of the opinion that it was a hut, while the others thought it must be nothing but a peculiar formation of brush.

"Certainly there are no natives in sight," said Hobson. "Now we have come so far we might as well go down, and sample that spring as we pass."

This was agreed to, and after a brief breathing spell they set off, Larry and Striker again in the front. Going down had looked easy, but they got many a tumble and were glad enough to rest again when the spring was gained.

"It's mighty good water, but we can't bring the casks up here," remarked Vincent, as he swallowed a goodly portion of the cooling liquid. "The cap'n or some one of us will have to locate another spring nearer the ship."

In a few minutes they resumed the journey. The object Striker had pointed out was now in plain view, and they saw that it was indeed a hut, and no small one either. The shelter was at least