and arranged his clams in front so as to roast them.

In spite of Mrs. Pratt's theories, the clams were found by Tom to be
delicious, and gave such relish to the biscuit, that he began to think
whether he could not make use of the baling dipper, and make a clam
chowder.

This breakfast was a great success, and Tom now confidently expected to
find other shell-fish, by means of which his resources might be
enlarged and improved.

XVII.

Solomon's solemn Tale.--A costly Lobster.--Off again.--Steam Whistles
of all Sizes.--A noisy Harbor.--Arrival Home.--No News.

The shout of joy uttered by those on the top of the cliff at seeing old
Solomon safe was responded to by those in the boat; and then, as the
latter went on her way, Captain Corbet set out to return to the beach,
followed by Phil and Pat. Soon they were all reunited, and, the boat
being landed, they returned in triumph to the Antelope.

On their way back, Solomon told them the story of his adventures.

"Went out," said he, "on a splorin scursion, cos I was termined to try
an skewer somethin to make a dinnah to keep up de sperrit ob dis yah
party. Ben trouble nuff, an dat's no reason why we should all starb.
I tought by de looks ob tings dar was lobstas somewhar long dis yah
sho, an if I got a chance, I knowed I could get 'em. Dar was lots ob
time too, ef it hadn't ben fur dat ar pint; dat's what knocked me.
Lots o' lobstas--could hab picked up a barl full, ony hadn't any barl
to pick up."

"Well, but how did you happen to get caught?"

"Dat ar's jes what I'm a comin to. You see, I didn't tink ob dat ar
pint when I went up de sho,--but knowed I had lots ob time; so I jes
tought I'd make sure ob de best ob de lobstas. Wan't goin to take back
any common lobstas,--bet you dat,--notin for me but de best,--de bery
best ones dar. Dat ar's what kep me. It takes a heap ob time an car
to get de best ones, when dar's a crowd lyin about ob all sizes, an de
water comin in too."

"But didn't you see that the tide was coming up to the point?"

"Nebber see a see,--not a see; lookin ober de lobstas all de time, an
mos stracted wid plexity cos I couldn't cide bout de best ones. Dar was
lots an lots up dar at one place, dough I didn't go fur,--but ef I'd
gone fur, I'd hab got better ones."

"How far did you go?"

"Not fur,--ony short distance,--didn't want to go too fur away for feah
ob not gittin back in time. An so I started to come back pooty soon,
a