When they meet with a bird of prey whose attacks they may have to repulse, the ranks fall in so as to present a solid phalanx to the enemy." "If they had a commissariat in the rear and a few sappers in front, the resemblance would be complete." "If a storm arises," continued Fritz, without noticing Willis's commentary, "they lower their flight and approach the ground." "Forgotten their umbrellas, perhaps." "When they make a halt, outposts are established to keep a look out while the troop sleeps." "And, in cases of alarm, the outposts fire and fall in as a matter of course." "Great Rono," said Jack, "you are become a downright quiz.

I have finished my letter whilst you have been discussing the poultry," he added, handing the pen to his brother, "and it only waits your postscriptum." Fritz having added a few lines, the epistle was sealed, and was then attached to one of the pigeons, which, after hovering a short time round the pinnace, took a flight upwards and disappeared in the clouds.
They were now in sight of a large island, which bore no traces of habitation.

There was a heavy surf beating on the shore, but the case was urgent, so Willis and Jack embarked in the canoe, and, after a hard fight with the waves, landed on the beach.
Each of them were armed with a double-barrelled rifle, and furnished with a boatswain's whistle.

The whistle was to signal the discovery of water, and a rifle shot was to bring them together in case of danger.
These arrangements being made, Jack proceeded in the direction of a thicket, which stood at the distance of some hundred yards from the shore.

He had no sooner reached the cover in the vicinity of the trees than he was pounced upon by two ferocious-looking savages.