We had scarcely consumed our provisions, when at daybreak one morning we observed a basket under the very tree where Ben had before discovered what he brought us.  He again went down, and returned with a similar supply.  We considered this matter, and could not believe that any treachery was intended, but, on the contrary, we began to hope that we had some secret friend among the savages.  Who he was, and how he came to take an interest in us, was the question.  Several days more passed away.  Each alternate night provisions were left for us.  At length I resolved to endeavour to discover our friend.  My great object was that I might be able by this means to gain tidings of Jerry, and perhaps to rescue him from the hands of his captors, for I continued to hope that he had not been put to death.  I explained my plan to Mr Brand.  After some hesitation, he consented to allow me to adopt it.  "I feel with you, Harry, that I could never bring myself to leave the island without Jerry," he answered; "and probably the savages, should they catch you, would be less likely to injure you than any of us."