But nothing further was said, and the work of preparing for the winter went on in peace. During the first week in May the cold was keen enough for Gordon to give orders for the stoves to be lighted up in the cave, and kept going night and day; and soon afterwards it became necessary to warm the shed of the enclosure, which duty fell to Garnett and Service.
At the same time the birds began to depart in flocks. Whither did they go? Evidently to the northern countries of the Pacific, or the American continent, where the climate was milder than that of Charman Island.
Among these birds the chief were the swallows, those marvellous migrants flying such enormous distances. In his constant endeavour to avail himself of every means to leave the island, it occurred to Briant to use these birds as messengers. Nothing was easier than to catch a few dozens of these birds, for they had built inside the store-room, and to their necks was tied a little linen bag, containing a letter announcing the wreck on Charman Island, with a request for the news to be sent on at once to Auckland. Then the swallows were released, and with much emotion the boys saw them depart. It was a very slender chance of safety, but it was a chance, and Briant was quite right in not neglecting it.
The snow came on the 25th of May, a few days earlier than the preceding year. Was the winter to be earlier and severer than before? It was to be feared so. Luckily warmth, light, and food were assured for many months. The winter clothing had been given out a few weeks before; and Gordon's health measures were strictly enforced.
Dining this time French Den became the scene of an agitation which caused a good deal of excitement among the youngsters. The year for which Gordon had been elected Chief of Charman Island expired on the 10th of June. And in consequence of this there began a series of conferences and consultations, that much agitated this little world. Gordon, as we have said, was quite
