"I mean the idea of making it is a good one," said I, laughing.
"And, now I think of it, I'll change my plan, too. I don't think
much of a club, so I'll make me a sling out of this piece of cloth.
I used to be very fond of slinging, ever since I read of David
slaying Goliath the Philistine, and I was once thought to be expert
at it."

So I set to work to manufacture a sling. For a long time we all
worked very busily without speaking. At length Peterkin looked up:
"I say, Jack, I'm sorry to say I must apply to you for another
strip of your handkerchief, to tie on this rascally head with.
It's pretty well torn at any rate, so you won't miss it."

Jack proceeded to comply with this request when Peterkin suddenly
laid his hand on his arm and arrested him.

"Hist, man," said he, "be tender; you should never be needlessly
cruel if you can help it. Do try to shave past Lord Nelson's mouth
without tearing it, if possible! Thanks. There are plenty more
handkerchiefs on the cocoa-nut trees."

Poor Peterkin! with what pleasant feelings I recall and record his
jests and humorous sayings now!

While we were thus engaged, we were startled by a distant but most
strange and horrible cry. It seemed to come from the sea, but was
so far away that we could not clearly distinguish its precise
direction. Rushing out of our bower, we hastened down to the beach
and stayed to listen. Again it came quite loud and distinct on the