a half-muttered shout like this: `Englan' 'specs
every man'll do's dooty!'"

May was not a bad mimic. This was received with a shout of laughter by
the other girls.

While they were conversing thus two tall and slim but broad-shouldered
youths were seen climbing the hill towards them, engaged in very earnest
conversation. And this reference to conversation reminds us of the
curious fact that the language of the young Pitcairners had greatly
improved of late. As they had no other living model to improve upon
than John Adams, this must have been entirely the result of reading.
Although the books they had were few, they proved to be sufficient not
only to fill their minds with higher thoughts, but their mouths with
purer English than that nautical type which had been peculiar to the
mutineers.

The tall striplings who now approached were Daniel McCoy and Charlie
Christian. These two were great friends and confidants. We will not
reveal the subject of their remarkably earnest conversation, but merely
give the concluding sentences.

"Well, Charlie," said Dan, as they came in view of the knoll on which
Adams and the girls were seated, "we will pluck up courage and make a
dash at it together."

"Ye-es," said Charlie, with hesitation.

"And shall we break the ice by referring to Toc's condition, eh?" said
Dan.

"Well, it seems to me the easiest plan; perhaps I should say the least
difficult," returned Charlie, with a faint smile.

"Come, don't lose heart, Charlie," said Dan, with an attempt to look
humorous, which signally failed.

"Hallo, lads! where away?" said Adams, as they came up.

"Just bin havin' a walk and a talk, father," answered Dan. "We saw you
up here, and came to walk back with you."

"I'm not so sure that we'll let you. The girls and I have been having a
pleasant confab, an' p'r'aps they don't want to be interrupted."

"Oh, we don't mind; they may come," said Di Adams, with a laugh.

So the youths joined the party, and they all descended the mountain in
company.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

A footnote in Lady Belcher's book tells us that this chronometer had
been twice carried out by Captain Cook on his voyages of discovery. It
was afterwards supplied to the _Bounty_ when she was fitted out for what
was to be her last voyage, and carried by the mutineers to Pitcairn
Island. Captain Folger brought it away, but it was taken from him the
sa