scruples on the subject, collected their hats full and emptied them
out on the ground by the side of the officers. On this all hands,
including Archy himself, were soon employed in discussing the delicious
fruit to their hearts' content.

"I doubt whether I ever did eat such delicious oranges," exclaimed
Desmond, sucking away at orange after orange. "All the pips grow on the
outside. What a convenient arrangement for a person in a hurry! I have
seen many a black fellow with a mouth big enough to take in a whole one,
though such a bolus would be apt to stick in his gullet if he were to
swallow one before putting his teeth into it."

"Well, youngsters, if we are to get far up the harbour before dark we
must be off," said Higson. "Come, let us pack up our traps, and take
care not to leave any pots or pans on shore."

The party soon got once more in the boat, but the wind failing them they
had to depend on their oars in making headway. Wishing to go as far as
they could before nightfall they pulled on cheerfully, amusing
themselves, now by singing many a merry song, now shouting, now spinning
yarns, some of them, it must be owned, oft-repeated tales. The scenery
appeared as beautiful as at first. At length as evening was
approaching, and Higson began to feel hungry, he once more put in for
the shore at a spot somewhat resembling that on which they had landed
for dinner. Here, too, was running water, a grove of orange-trees, and
not far off several gigantic mangroves, with figs and grapes in
abundance.

"Faith! we are in a regular paradise," observed Desmond.

"We may revel in fruits, at all events," said Higson.

They agreed, as no houses were to be seen, and as they were not likely
to be interrupted, that they would bring up here for the night, and get
a bathe in the morning before starting. The fire was lighted as usual;
cocoa and coffee put on and made, while the provisions they had brought
were spread on the ground. Not intending to proceed farther they were
in no hurry, and fully enjoyed their meal, finishing off with an extra
glass of grog or two, which naturally produced the usual songs and
yarns, till they all declared that they felt remarkably happy.
Snatchblock and Tim Brady presented them with a liberal supply of fruit,
which was generous on the part of the two men, considering that it had
cost them nothing. It was eaten, however, with not the less relish.

As the merry party smoked their cigar