we were to pay, with
which the natives seemed perfectly satisfied: they also promised to
bring us off a supply of cocoanuts.

As soon as these arrangements were made, they paddled off to spread the
good news among their fellow-islanders, and to collect the pearls
already won from the bottom of the sea, of which they gave us to
understand they had a good store. Before evening the first party
returned, bringing a larger number of pearls than we expected. Few of
them, however, were particularly fine, but on an average they were of
good value, which encouraged us to hope that we should be well paid for
our voyage. Notwithstanding the friendly behaviour of the natives,
Harry considered it prudent to keep a vigilant watch during the hours of
darkness. He told the natives that he should not expect to see them
till the next morning.

The night passed away without any cause for alarm. At daylight the next
morning every canoe in the island appeared to be afloat; some brought
off pearls, as well as mother-of-pearl shells and cocoanuts, and others
were seen paddling out to the water between the reefs where the
oyster-beds existed. We carried on a brisk trade for a couple of hours
or more. The natives selected the knives and hatchets and other
articles they required, and handed over the pearls in exchange. As one
party had disposed of their pearls, they were told they must get into
their canoes and leave the side of the vessel, while others took their
places. Thus there was no confusion, and all went on amicably. The
trading over for the morning, as soon as we had breakfasted, Charles
Tilston and I, with Dick and two men, pulled off to watch the natives
diving for the oyster-shells. About thirty canoes were floating over
different spots, each having one diver on board. He had a large net
basket fastened round his waist, and, as far as we could see, he was
furnished with no other means for obtaining oysters. Standing up in his
canoe he drew a deep breath, then, holding his nostrils with one hand,
down he dived, and remained below the water for a couple of minutes. On
his return his bag was seen to be full of oysters. He had, it appeared,
wrenched them off by main force with his hands. The water was so clear
that he could see the oysters without difficulty, as he could also the
approach of a shark or any other dangerous fish. He remained diving at
intervals till his canoe was filled, when she returned to the shore w