s a commonplace and rather gross subject, having many points
of similitude in all lands. We shall therefore pass over this part of
the day's enjoyment, merely remarking that, what with fish and lobster,
and yams and cocoa-nuts, and bananas and plantains, and sundry compounds
of the same made into cakes, and clear water from the mountain-side,
there was ample provision for the wants of nature. There was no lack,
either, of that feast which is said to flow from "reason" and "soul"
There was incident, also, to enliven the proceedings; for the child who
had come by the overland route with Sally fell into something resembling
a yam-pie, and the hero of the day managed to roll into the oven which
had cooked the victuals. Fortunately, it had cooled somewhat by that
time, and seemed to tickle his fancy rather than otherwise.

Dinner was concluded; and as it had been preceded by asking a blessing,
it was now closed with thanksgiving. Then Dinah Adams began to show a
tendency to clear up the debris, when Dan McCoy, who had wandered away
with Sarah Quintal in search of shells to a neighbouring promontory,
suddenly uttered a tremendous and altogether new cry.

"What _is_ he up to now?" said John Adams, rising hastily and shading
his eyes with his hand.

Dan was seen to be gesticulating frantically on the rocks, and pointing
wildly out to sea.

The whole party ran towards him, and soon became as wildly excited as
himself, for there, at long last, was a _ship_, far away on the horizon!

To launch the canoes and make for home was the work of a very few
minutes. No one thought of swimming now. Those who did not go in the
canoes went by the land road as fast as they could run and clamber. In
a short time the gulls were left in undisturbed possession of Martin's
Cove.

CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT.

THE FIRST SHIP, AND NEWS OF HOME.

No wonder that there was wild excitement on the lonely island at the
sight of this sail, for, with the exception of the ship that had been
seen years before, and only for a few minutes, by Sally and Matt
Quintal, no vessel of any kind had visited them during the space of
nineteen years.

"I've longed for it, old 'ooman, as nobody but myself can understand,"
said Adams, in a low, earnest voice to his wife, who stood on the cliffs
beside him. Although nearly blind, Mrs Adams was straining her eyes in
the direction of the strange sail. "And now that it's come," continued
her husband, "I confess