in a vast store of peat and wood.

* * * * *

Tom was time-keeper. He had a little log-book in which he had been
careful to note down day and date every morning, and, like a good lad, he
never forgot to wind his watch. He made a really first-class Crusoe.

But they were all good. And what a grand guard Briton was! If ever he
heard the slightest sound of bird or rabbit down amongst the trees or
bushes beneath them, he gave a low growl. One night he sprang to his feet
and barked very loudly and angrily.

The Crusoes were awake at once.

And no wonder, for terrible noises, like distant thunder, were heard just
beneath their feet. They were startled still more when explosion after
explosion took place, both in the air and in the earth, while the ground
was shaken under them.

It was a curious, giddy movement, and made them all feel rather sick.

Then the thunder-storm burst in earnest, with rain and hail in torrents,
and the whole island seemed to be on fire with the lightning.

Tom had to take Pansy in his arms to soothe her, for she shook and
trembled like a little bird. But in two hours it was all over, and the
stars were shining as bright and large and near as before.

* * * * *