bounding fertility
that we see everywhere. I have observed no signs of animals, noxious or
otherwise, nor do I very well understand how they could get here, taking
into consideration the fact that there is no other land near at hand
from which they could have come; you are not likely, therefore, to
experience any trouble from that source. And, lastly, I have seen no
signs of inhabitants; it would therefore appear that your title to the
island is as good as that of anyone else;" (loud cheers). "But," I
continued, "I do not think it would be altogether wise to assume that
the island is uninhabited simply because I have been unable to discover
from aloft any trace of human presence. For aught that we know to the
contrary, the place may be swarming with natives, eager to obtain
possession of this ship and her cargo; and since we first entered these
waters we have had more than one opportunity of judging what would be
likely to happen, should we be so unfortunate as to fall into the power
of such people. I therefore propose that instead of all hands swarming
ashore, and leaving the ship to take care of herself--as I see you all
seem inclined to do--the muskets, with a good supply of ammunition,
shall be served out to those most capable of making a good use of them,
and half of that number shall go ashore as an exploring party to examine
the island thoroughly, while the other half shall remain aboard to take
care of the ship. Then, when you have satisfied yourselves that there
are no hostile natives to molest you, we will take the ship into yonder
cove, and all hands can then land without fear." This last proposition
of mine was evidently extremely unpopular, with no one more so than
Wilde, who, thrusting himself through the crowd, hotly demanded to know
who I thought I was that I should presume to dictate to them as to who
should and who should not land. But there were a few level-headed ones
among the party who, while freely acknowledging how tantalising it would
be to those left on board to gaze upon the island without being
permitted to land upon it, were quite able to recognise the prudence of
my suggestion, among them being Polson and the carpenter. At length,
after much animated discussion, not altogether free from the flavour of
acrimony, the proposal was adopted, and the difficult task of choosing
those who were to form the exploring party was proceeded with. Wilde
demanded that he should be included among th