Page:A Study in Colour - Augusta Zelia Fraser.pdf/23

12 three sides of the horizon completely; on the fourth, the calm tropical sea lay like a polished shield, fringed here and there with slim and feathery palm-trees.

The long, straight road that led to Port Albert lay like a white streak before her; but from the early hour, and the absence of the usual week-day traffic, was as yet free comparatively from dust. Generally one waded ankle-deep in soft grey sand. Now every green blade of the tall guinea grass was heavy with dew, and the long, murderous-looking spikes of the Pinguin plants and cactus that edged the roadside glistened also with myriads of diamond drops. A little wooden shed stood close to the high way. This was a shop, and the owner, a cheerful-looking brown man, was apparently blessed with numerous relations, for the small "yard" attached to the shed contained several diminutive wooden and wicker-work huts. That he was prosperous might also be inferred from a glimpse through one of the half-open doors of a small mahogany sideboard laden with the glass and cheap crockery, that among, negroes supply the place of family plate at home.