walking, they found that the ground was not so level as it had been -
sometimes they went gradually up hill, at others down.

"I am very glad to find the island is not so flat here; we have a
better chance of finding water."

"It is much steeper before us," replied William; "it's quite a hill."

The ground now became more undulating, although still covered with
cocoa-nut trees, even thicker together than before. They continued
their march, occasionally looking at the compass, until William showed
symptoms of weariness, for the wood had become more difficult to get
through than at first.

"How many miles do you think we have walked, Ready?" said Willy.

"About eight, I should think."

"Not more than eight?"

"No; I do not think that we have made more than two miles an hour: it's
slow work, travelling by compass and marking the trees; but I think the
wood looks lighter before us, now that we are at the top of this hill."

"It does, Ready; I fancy I can see the blue sky again."

"Your eyes are younger than mine, William, and perhaps you may -
however, we shall soon find out."

They now descended into a small hollow, and then went up hill again. As