The instant I was deposited with my gun on shore, they turned back to the boat and immured themselves.

I arranged that at twelve o'clock, if I did not return, they should leave the creek and go round the island within hailing distance, so as to pick me up at any point.

I started along the shore, skirting the marsh which wound through the pines.
"The first thing that I came upon was a heronry.

I had noticed several of these magnificent birds the day before sailing over the island, and this creek was evidently their settlement; up they went, floating away in all directions with a marvellous, almost magical rapidity and silence of flight.

This persuaded me more than anything else that the island was unfrequented, as they are a very shy bird, and distrustful of human beings.