We often examined the pistol that we had found in the house on the
other side of the island, and Peterkin wished much that we had
powder and shot, as it would render pig-killing much easier; but,
after all, we had become so expert in the use of our sling and bow
and spear, that we were independent of more deadly weapons.

Diving in the Water Garden also continued to afford us as much
pleasure as ever; and Peterkin began to be a little more expert in
the water from constant practice. As for Jack and I, we began to
feel as if water were our native element, and revelled in it with
so much confidence and comfort that Peterkin said he feared we
would turn into fish some day, and swim off and leave him; adding,
that he had been for a long time observing that Jack was becoming
more and more like a shark every day. Whereupon Jack remarked,
that if he, Peterkin, were changed into a fish, he would certainly
turn into nothing better or bigger than a shrimp. Poor Peterkin
did not envy us our delightful excursions under water, except,
indeed, when Jack would dive down to the bottom of the Water
Garden, sit down on a rock and look up and make faces at him.
Peterkin did feel envious then, and often said he would give
anything to be able to do that. I was much amused when Peterkin
said this; for if he could only have seen his own face when he
happened to take a short dive, he would have seen that Jack's was
far surpassed by it. The great difference being, however, that
Jack made faces on purpose - Peterkin couldn't help it!

Now, while we were engaged with these occupations and amusements,
an event occurred one day which was as unexpected as it was
exceedingly alarming and very horrible.