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138 it does in combs and ladies' pocket-knives, and the like. The natives take the shell off by turning the poor creatures over and making a fire under 'em while they are still alive; but that is the wust kind of cruelty."

No time was lost, after Striker's wound had been dressed, in fastening several bits of cord to the two turtles, and while Larry and the Yankee carried one between them, the others of the party took care of the second. Crossing the hump of rocks, they came in sight of the Columbia as anticipated, and soon after entered the yawl and rowed out to the schooner.

"I was calculating you had got lost," cried Captain Ponsberry, when they appeared. "Humph! A couple o' good hawk's-bills, but not much to eat."

"Aren't the turtles good eating?" asked Larry.

"About as good as that sawfish, lad. Green turtles are the thing; these are poor stuff, although we might try one, just for a change."

The story they had to tell about the snake was listened to with much interest. "I do not blame you for trying to keep out of the reach of those reptiles," said Mr. Wells. "If one of them caught any of the party, the unfortunate would be crushed