re it is not probable any odor from it
could have been perceptible on deck, although both the boys were quite
positive the yacht was thoroughly permeated.

After this short delay the Sea Dream continued on her course at a higher
rate of speed, for now that she was so near land the heat seemed
unbearable, and when night came Neal and Teddy stretched themselves out
in the hammocks which had been slung under the after awning, wishing,
not for a glimpse of Nassau; but that they were off the New England
coast instead of being so near the tropics.

Then, despite the profuse perspiration, both fell asleep, not to waken
until the rattling of the cable through the hawse-holes told that they
were in the harbor.

CHAPTER III.

NASSAU.

A semi-tropical port in midsummer is by no means a pleasant place
however diversified and picturesque the scenery may be, and when the
boys awakened from their restless slumber the lassitude which beset them
told how great an effect the climate could exert.

Even Mr. Emery was disinclined to any severe exertion; but his business
must be transacted, and, after a breakfast eaten on deck, he ordered the
boat to be made ready.

"If possible I shall leave to-night," Neal and Teddy heard him say to
the sailing master, "therefore it will be well to get your ambergris on
shore before noon."

Neither of the boys cared to see the town at the expense of walking
around under the blazing sun, and when Mr. Emery was being rowed toward
the dock-yard they joined Jake who, in the coolest spot under the
awning, was watching the fishermen near by.

The water was clear as crystal, and of a bright greenish tinge which
admitted of their seeing very distinctly the tiny fish of silver and
golden hues as they darted to and fro; the violet and blue medusae, and
the cream-colored jelly-fish as big as a watermelon. There were angel
fish of a bright blue tinge; yellow snappers; black and white sergeant
majors; pilot fish; puff fish which could inflate their bodies until
they were round as a ball, or flatten themselves to the shape of a
griddle cake.

The cow fish attracted the boys' attention more particularly, for it had
two horns, and its head was shaped exactly like a cow, and when one
passed with a "calf" as Teddy called it, swimming by her side, both
agreed that it was well worth suffering so much from the heat to see
such a sight.

Fish of all colors and sizes swam around the yacht as if examining h