ssy bank,
"I'll stop here and wait for you. That rib ain't all square yet."

"Wilful man," said Sam, "didn't I advise you not to come? There, lie
down and take it easy. We'll bring you some fruit on our return."

By this time the party had reached the valley in which the lakelet lay,
and beautiful indeed was the scene which presented itself as they passed
under the grateful shade of the palm-trees. Everywhere, rich tropical
vegetation met their gaze, through the openings in which the sunshine
poured like streams of fire. On the little lake numerous flocks of
ducks and other fowl were seen swimming in sportive mood, while an
occasional splash told of fish of some sort below the surface.

Leaving the sailor in a position whence he could observe them for a long
distance, the rest of the party pushed on. During their rambles they
found the valley to be much richer in vegetation, and more beautiful,
than the distant view from the mountain-top had led them to expect.
Small though the valley was, it contained, among other trees, the
cocoa-nut palm, the bread-fruit, banana, and sandal-wood. There were
also pine-apples, wild rice, and custard-apples, some of which latter
delicious fruit, being ripe, was gathered and carried back to Johnson,
whom they found sound asleep and much refreshed on their return.

The expedition proved that, barren though the island appeared from the
sea, it contained quite enough of the good things of this life to render
it a desirable abode for man.

On the coast, too, where the raft had been cast ashore, were discovered
a variety of shell-fish, some of which, especially the oysters, were
found to be excellent food. And some of the sea-fowl turned out to be
very good eating, though a little fishy, while their eggs were as good
as those of the domestic fowl.

"It seems to me," said Robin to Letta one day when they were out on a
ramble together, "that this is quite a little paradise."

"I don't know what paradise is like," said the child.

"Well, no more do I," returned Robin, with a laugh, "but of course
everybody understands that it is the place where everything is perfect,
and where happiness is complete."

"It cannot be like paradise without mamma," said Letta, shaking her
pretty head sadly. "I would not go to heaven unless mamma was there."

Robin was silent for some time, as he thought of his own mother and the
talks he used to have with her on this same subject.

"Letta," he s