Page:Scented isles and coral gardens- Torres Straits, German New Guinea and the Dutch East Indies, by C.D. Mackellar, 1912.pdf/61

Rh pearl-fishing station; and the fourth is the Second Officer of Customs. They came to tell me that they were going for a holiday cruise in a cutter to a lot of islands; that Captain B, the pilot, is also going, he being here for a week as a guest of the bachelors of "Thirsty Island," as they call it, with reason, and they had come to invite me to go with them.

Mrs. M'Nulty, who stood behind them, nodded at me to say Yes, and I was delighted at the idea. Nothing could exceed their kindness, as they are eager for me to see everything and have a good time. Of course, I accepted, and was about to ask Mrs. M'Nulty to bring in drinks when Bridget appeared with them all ready, giving me a knowing secret wink as she plumped down the glasses, as much as to say, " You don't need to tell us what is necessary." If I am two minutes alone here, they are afraid I am dull, and seek some way of entertaining me.

I am back from my cruise, and alive to tell the tale. On a lovely day, with a cool fresh breeze blowing, we started on this holiday jaunt We had a schooner yacht belonging to a pearl fishery, lent by Captain D for the occasion. Two men from the store, Captain B, the pilot, I, and three blacks formed the pleasure party. One of the blacks, Jack, is a great character and a most intelligent man. We had a splendid sail, and went first to Prince of Wales' Isle, which I admired as much as did Captain Cook. Captain D came over with us from " Thirsty Island " in the boat, and we went first to his pearl-fishing station. This was a charming place, most picturesque, and lying at the bottom of a wooded hill; the numerous buildings, house, store, and men's quarters being