CHAPTER XXIII.
THE HUT IN THE FOREST.
My first thought on getting out of the tree was to obtain something to eat and to drink, and my second to learn, if possible, what had become of my two chums.
Getting a drink was easy enough, for the rain was forming little pools in every direction. But there was nothing in the way of food to be had, and I started off on my search hungry.
I was entirely unarmed, the Kanaka having taken my pistol away from me; also my pocketknife. I, therefore, advanced with caution, for I had no desire to be taken unawares again.
I had no compass, but as the storm was abating and the sun was shining faintly through the scattering clouds, I readily steered a course to the southward, in which direction I knew the river was located.
Ten minutes of rough traveling brought me to the stream, at a point not far from where our rowboat rested. The craft was still intact, the single pair of oars resting on the seats, so I felt
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