the cave into the full glory of the tropical sun. At first,
that her eyes might become accustomed to its light and her awakened body
to its heat, I set her down where shadow fell from the overhanging rock,
in a canvas deck chair that had been brought by Marama with the other
things, throwing the rug about her to protect her from such wind as
there was. She nestled gratefully into the soft seat and shut her eyes,
for the motion had tired her. I noted, however, that she drew in the
sweet air with long breaths.

Then I turned to observe the arrival of the Ancient, who was being borne
between Bickley and Bastin in what children know as a dandy-chair, which
is formed by two people crossing their hands in a peculiar fashion. It
says much for the tremendous dignity of his presence that even thus,
with one arm round the neck of Bickley and the other round that of
Bastin, and his long white beard falling almost to the ground, he still
looked most imposing.

Unfortunately, however, just as they were emerging from the cave,
Bastin, always the most awkward of creatures, managed to leave hold with
one hand, so that his passenger nearly came to the ground. Never shall I
forget the look that he gave him. Indeed, I think that from this moment
he hated Bastin. Bickley he respected as a man of intelligence and
learning, although in comparison with his own, the latter was infantile
and crude; me he tolerated and even liked; but Bastin he detested.
The only one of our party for whom he felt anything approaching real
affection was the spaniel Tommy.

We set him down, fortunately uninjured, on some rugs, and also in the
shadow. Then, after a little while, we moved both of them into the sun.
It was quite curious to see them expand there. As Bickley said,
what happened to them might well be compared to the development of a
butterfly which has just broken from the living grave of its chrysalis
and crept into the full, hot radiance of the light. Its crinkled wings
unfold, their brilliant tints develop; in an hour or two it is perfect,
glorious, prepared for life and flight, a new creature.

So it was with this pair, from moment to moment they gathered strength
and vigour. Near-by to them, as it happened, stood a large basket of
the luscious native fruits brought that morning by the Orofenans, and at
these the Lady looked with longing. With Bickley's permission, I offered
them to her and to the Ancient, first peeling them with my fingers. They