Four parties, well-armed and equipped, were sent out to explore both sections of the island.

These expeditions had numerous objects in view: to determine, if possible, whether the island had ever been visited or occupied by man; to determine the character of the fruits and vegetables; extent and variety of animal life; the natural food resources, etc.

The groups were made up of men familiar with nature in the rough.

Lieutenant Platt headed one group, Professor Flattner another, a Bolivian ranchman and an English horse buyer the remaining two.
Abel Landover was to have gone out with the first day's shift to work on the road through the wood.

He refused point-blank to leave the ship.
This state of affairs lasted through the next two days, the banker stubbornly ignoring the advice and finally the commands of Captain Trigger.