1^4 I>ICK SANDS, THE BOY CAPTAIN. group ; probably he bad not cared to venture alone along the bank of the stream ïnto the forest He sat listening, as it seemed indifferently, to the various plans for the future that were being discussed, and did not open hîs mouth either by way of remonstrance or suggestion. Dingo was not forgotten, and had hîs share of food duly given hîm outside the grotto, where he was keeping guard> When the meal was ended, Mrs. Weldon, passîng her arms round Jack, whowas loungîng half asleep with excite- ment and fatigue at her side, was the Brst to speak. " My dear Dîck," she said, " in the name of us ait, let me thank you for the services you hâve rendered us in our tedious time of difficulty. As you hâve been our captain at sea, let me beg you to be our guide upon land. We shall hâve perfect confidence in your judgment, and await your instructions as to what our next proceedîngs shall be." AH eyes were turned upon Dick. Even Negoro appeared to be roused to curîosity, as if cagcr to know what he had to say. Dick did not speak for some moments. He was manï- festly pondering what step heshould advise. After a while he said, — " My own impression, Mrs, Weldon, is that we bave been cast ashore upon one of the least-frequented parts of the coast of Peru, and that we are near the borders of the Pampas. In that case I should conclude that vc are at a considérable distance from any village. Now, I should recommend that we stay hère altogether for the comîng night. To-morrow morning, two of us can start off on an exploring expédition. I entertain but littlc doubt that natives will be met with within ten or a dozcn miles." Mrs. Weldon looked doubtful. Plainly shc thought unfavourably of the project of separatîng the party. She reflected for a considérable time, and thcn askcd, — " And who is to undertake the task of exploring ? " Prompt was Dick's answer: — " Tom and I." "And leave us hère?" saggested the lady.
