ere at this particular time not overburdened with
provisions, and the men were much pleased to have the prospect of a
roast monkey for supper.

Having given our men a little tobacco, a gift which caused their black
faces to beam with delight, we shouldered our rifles and set off across
the plain towards the thick wood, which was not more than five miles
distant, if so much.

It was a beautiful scene, this plain with its clumps of trees scattered
over it like islands in a lake, and its profusion of wild flowers. The
weather, too, was delightful--cooler than usual--and there was a
freshness in the air which caused us to feel light of heart, while the
comparative shortness of the grass enabled us to proceed on our way with
light steps. As we walked along for some time in silence, I thought
upon the goodness and the provident care of the Creator of our world;
for during my brief sojourn in Africa I had observed many instances of
the wonderful exactness with which things in nature were suited to the
circumstances in which they were placed, and the bountiful provision
that was made everywhere for man and beast. Yet I must confess I could
not help wondering, and felt very much perplexed, when I thought of the
beautiful scenes in the midst of which I moved being inhabited only by
savage men, who seemed scarcely to appreciate the blessings by which
they were surrounded, and who violated constantly all the laws of Him by
whom they were created. My meditations were interrupted by Jack
saying--

"I cannot help wondering why that poor monkey kept so still all the time
we were talking. One would think that it should have been frightened
away just as we came under the tree."

"I have no doubt," said I, "that although of course it could not
understand what we said, yet it was listening to us."

"I'm not so certain that it did not understand," observed Peterkin.
"You know that sailors believe that monkeys could speak if they chose,
but they don't for fear that they should be made to work!"

"Well, whatever truth there may be in that, of this I am certain, they
are the most deceptive creatures that exist."

"I don't agree with you," rejoined Peterkin. "It's my opinion that
little boys are the greatest deceivers living."

"What! _all_ little boys!" exclaimed Jack.

"No, not all. I have not so bad an opinion of the race as that. I've
had a good deal to do with boys during my naval career, and among the
middies of her Maj