Gordon made a gash in the bark of the tree, and out flowed the sap ; and Kate caught two good pints of it in a cup she had brought with her.
It is a whitish liquor, appetising enough to look at, and comprising the same elements as cow's milk. At the same time it is more nourishing, thicker, and has a more agreeable savour. The cup was empty in a minute at French Den, and Costar smeared his mouth all round as if he were a young cat. At the thought of all he could do with this new substance, Moko did not conceal his satisfaction. He would have no trouble to go and get his vegetable milk.
In short — and we need hardly repeat it — Charman Island would supply the wants of a large colony. The boys could certainly five there for a long time; and the arrival of Kate amongst them to look after them like a mother, and she quite inspired them with maternal affection, had done much to make their existence more comfortable.
Why had the former security been troubled What discoveries Briant and his comrades would have made in those unknown parts of the east which they now had to consider as closed to them! Would they ever be able to resume their excursions, having nothing to fear but wild beasts, far less dangerous than the wild beasts in human form, against whom they had to be on their guard night and day?
November had begun, and there was still no trace of suspicious characters round French Den. Briant even doubted if the survivors of the Severn were still on the island. But had not Donagan seen with his own eyes that the boat was in a bad way, with her broken mast, tattered sails, and shattered side? It is true — and Mr. Evans would know this— if Charman Island had been near a continent or archipelago, the boat might have been sufficiently put to rights and gone to sea. It was possible for Walston to have left the island. Had he done so? That would have to be discovered before the usual round of life was resumed.
