even greater number in the _Esmeralda's_ roomy
forecastle and deck-house. Moreover, I had had all that I wanted of
such an unpleasant experience as that of being short-handed. I
therefore determined to ship them all, if they were willing, and
recompense myself for my recent hardships by enjoying the luxury of a
fully manned ship. The men were easily found--were indeed on the
lookout for me, having learned early in the morning that an English
barque had arrived in the roadstead some time during the night--and upon
interviewing them I learned that they were, one and all, most anxious to
make a start for home. They were as quiet, sober, and steady-looking a
crew as I could possibly desire to meet with, or have under me; I
therefore shipped the whole of them, on the spot, and directed them to
hold themselves in readiness to join the ship as soon as they should
receive instructions from me to that effect.

Meanwhile, Cooper had had an interview with his consul, the result of
which was an arrangement that the crew of the _Golden Gate_ should land
forthwith, as there were several American vessels in the port, and,
consequently, ample facilities for despatching the men home. As a
consequence of this the Americans left the _Esmeralda_ that same
afternoon, while the new crew went on board and took up their quarters
on the following morning.

The luncheon hour had arrived by the time that all these arrangements
were completed, and I therefore hastened away to Sir Edgar's hotel for
the double purpose of satisfying a certain inward craving that had
already begun to make itself felt, and of acquainting the baronet with
the character of the business upon which I had been engaged during the
morning. The several members of the party were, naturally enough, much
pleased to learn that there was to be no undue detention among the
lovely Sandwich Islands; but, on the other hand, they expressed so
earnest a desire to see something of Oahu, now that they were actually
upon it, that I cheerfully consented to delay my departure until the
evening of the third day. A tour of the island was thereupon arranged,
in which I was very cordially invited to join, and a most delightful
excursion was the result; but as this is not a guide-book, and nothing
out of the ordinary way occurred during its progress, I will not inflict
the details of it upon the indulgent reader. Upon our return to the
ship we found that Forbes, following my instructions