d there is
none who treats its invisible presence with disdain. Even the wood-ashes
from stoves and fireplaces are carefully hoarded in hoppers, for the
alkaline solution obtained by treating them with water is lye. This lye
is being used chiefly in the production of a soap not unlike that made
by thrifty farmers' wives in the Argentine, experimentation with
the pulpy fruit of a tree belonging to the variety known as Sapindus
marginatus bringing about rather astonishing results.

For many months of the year the people wear sandals on their bare feet.
Only those who toil in the forests don the uncouth boots turned out
by the firm of cobblers known as Block & Nicklestick. Shoes, boots
and slippers of another day are zealously guarded by their owners, in
anticipation of still another day,--the day of deliverance. "Waste not,
want not," is the motto of Trigger Island.

The second winter brought a double catastrophe, and for days thereafter
deepest gloom prevailed. Even the stout-hearted Percival drooped under
the weight of it.

Fire wiped out the work of months in the space of a few bleak, bitter
hours. The sturdy little ship that was so well along toward completion
was destroyed.

Months of faithful, patient, dogged toil had resulted in the
construction of a stout hull which stood proudly on the ways to
be admired and glorified by the eager, confident supporters of the
determined little band of builders. Six weeks more would have seen the
vessel off the ways and floating gaily on the surface of the snug little
basin, ready for the final touches, the provisioning and the ultimate
departure of the hardy company that was to take her out into the open
stretches in quest of the helping hand. For weeks a devoted, one-minded
community had been preparing food, raiment and comforts for the men who
were to go forth in the new Doraine. The masts and spars were in place,
the forecastle and cabin were almost ready for occupancy, the galley was
nearing completion,--and then came swift, relentless disaster.

The night was cold and windy. Down at the water's edge, almost under the
bulging side of the ship, two men had their quarters at one end of the
low, rambling carpenter shop. At the other end was located the forge.
The very thing they were there to guard against happened on this
miserable night. Fire broke out in the forge.

The man on watch had fallen asleep. His name was Smiley. It is mentioned
here for the only time in this