Page:Paine--J Archibauld McKaney collector of whiskers.djvu/184

  We entered the royal apartments to the sound of drums and horns, and made ourselves at home. The Groom of the Royal Bed Chamber at once set to work anointing and combing the royal and supernal beard of King Wilkins I in token of the official installation. I was left free to begin my researches, and by nightfall I had photographed and catalogued two absolutely unique growths, and was as happy as a truant school boy.

May 3.—Our island has been invaded by a young woman of our own race, a most astonishing and incredible event. I was drawn to the beach this forenoon by a great outcry and stampede from my village, and hurried after, to find a small schooner driving ashore, dismasted and helpless. Her native crew was trying to launch a boat as the doomed vessel drifted toward the roaring surf that pounded over the inside reef. The boat was swamped even before it could be manned, and our brave villagers rushed to their fishing canoes which had been pulled above high water.

But before they could attempt a rescue, 166]