very sweet and well-flavoured. The potato, we were surprised to
find, was quite sweet and exceedingly palatable, as also were the
plums; and, indeed, the pork and pigeon too, when we came to taste
them. Altogether this was decidedly the most luxurious supper we
had enjoyed for many a day; and Jack said it was out-of-sight
better than we ever got on board ship; and Peterkin said he feared
that if we should remain long on the island he would infallibly
become a glutton or an epicure: whereat Jack remarked that he need
not fear that, for he was BOTH already! And so, having eaten our
fill, not forgetting to finish off with a plum, we laid ourselves
comfortably down to sleep upon a couch of branches under the
overhanging ledge of a coral rock.



CHAPTER XI.



Effects of over-eating, and reflections thereon - Humble advice
regarding cold water - The "horrible cry" accounted for - The
curious birds called penguins - Peculiarity of the cocoa nut palm -
Questions on the formation of coral islands - Mysterious footsteps
- Strange discoveries and sad sights.


WHEN we awoke on the following morning, we found that the sun was
already a good way above the horizon, so I came to the conclusion
that a heavy supper is not conducive to early rising.
Nevertheless, we felt remarkably strong and well, and much disposed