Whether they are so
or not, of course, is matter of dispute. Cynics will tell us that they
only come to us and fawn upon us because of the memory of past favours
and the hope of more to come. I don't agree with them."

"Neither do I," said Nigel, warmly. "Any man who has ever had to do
with dogs knows full well that gratitude is a strong element of their
nature. And it seems to me that the speaking eyes of Spinkie, to whom I
have just given a bit of biscuit, tell of a similar spirit."

As he spoke, Nigel was conveying another piece of biscuit to his own
mouth, when a small brown hand flashed before him, and the morsel, in
the twinkling of an eye, was transferred to the monkey's already swollen
cheek--whereat Moses again became suddenly "'splosive" and red, as well
as black in the face, for his capacious mouth was inordinately full as
usual.

Clear water, from one of the casks, and poured into a tin mug, washed
down their cold collation, and then, refreshed and reinvigorated, the
trio resumed their paddles, which were not again laid down till the sun
was descending towards the western horizon. By that time they were not
far from a small wooded islet near the coast of Java, on which Van der
Kemp resolved to spend the night.

During the day they had passed at some distance many boats and _praus_
and other native vessels, the crews of which ceased to row for a few
moments, and gazed with curiosity at the strange craft which glided
along so swiftly, and seemed to them little more than a long plank on
the water, but these took no further notice of our voyagers. They also
passed several ships--part of that constant stream of vessels which pass
westward through those straits laden with the valuable teas and rich
silks of China and Japan. In some cases a cheer of recognition, as being
an exceptional style of craft, was accorded them, to which the hermit
replied with a wave of the hand--Moses and Nigel with an answering
cheer.

There is something very pleasant in the rest which follows a day of hard
and healthful toil. Our Maker has so ordained it as well as stated it,
for is it not written, "The sleep of the labouring man is sweet"? and
our travellers experienced the truth of the statement that night in very
romantic circumstances.

The small rocky islet, not more than a few hundred yards in diameter,
which they now approached had several sheltered sandy bays on its shore,
which were convenient for landing. The centre was