Page:Tales in Political Economy by Millicent Garrett Fawcett.djvu/92

 skilled labour. At last the Carrier Pigeon came in sight; and a few hours more brought it into the little natural harbour on the south side of the island. The captain was soon on shore. There was no cargo to unload, and therefore there was no delay. A sheet of paper, on which was written down the sum realized by the sale of the goods and the amount due to each person, and a heavy cash-box, were all that it was necessary to bring ashore. To the great joy of the islanders, their goods had sold for nearly double what they had expected. "Gold pieces are as thick as blackberries in San Francisco," said the captain. When the list was read out and the cash-box opened, everyone received a good round sum of money. The carpenter had 40l., Mr. and Mrs. Collins 37l., the best weaver 20l. Everybody had something, and even the little children received half-crowns and shillings for toys they had made and sent away to San Francisco to be sold.

After the first rejoicings at the return of the ship were over, everyone began to think what