est dredging apparatus, including submarine armor
and pumps in their outfit. After a tedious voyage of twenty-seven
days, the "Reindeer" cast anchor in Bridgetown. Paul and the diver,
whose name was Tom Scott, were kindly welcomed by the merchant, an
old friend of Mr. Boyton's, to whom they carried letters of
introduction.

His father's instructions were to charter a fishing boat, or some
suitable vessel at Bridgetown for a six month's cruise among the keys
and islands surrounding, for the purpose of fishing up coral, shells and
other curios that he could gather. A few days after his arrival,
Paul engaged a staunch little sloop commanded by a negro, who was
assisted by four strong sailors also colored, as crew. The first cruise
was around the island of Barbadoes. Several curios were collected and
purchased and a goodly shipment sent back by the "Reindeer." When he
received them and read Paul's accompanying letter, Mr. Boyton was
satisfied that his son was now engaged in a business that thoroughly
suited him. The Cayosa, for such was the name of the little sloop, was
then provisioned for a voyage to the group of islands that lay to the
westward, and where it was said rare shells would be found. For a small
consideration the captain had agreed to bunk forward with crew, leaving
Tom Scott and Paul his little cabin all to themselves. This cabin was
thoroughly scrubbed and cleaned by the pair, after which they fitted it
up and placed therein their baggage, rifles, fishing gear, plenty of
reading matter and their private stores.

While in port, Paul remained the guest of Mr. C., the merchant, whose
home was a beautiful villa situated a little way out of town. The merry,
bright-eyed daughters of his host made sad havoc in the susceptible
heart of young Boyton. At last all the stores were aboard and
everything was ready. One bright morning the anchor was weighed, and the
sloop stood away on her cruise to the island of Vincent, which lay
about one hundred miles to the westward. During this voyage a heavy
tornado tested the little sloop to her utmost. She was driven far out of
her course. It was four days ere they reached Kingston on the southward
of the island, instead of Richmond whither they were bound. They spent a
few days in the quaint, old town and picked up several curiosities. The
sloop was then headed for the Cariacou islands, a large group which
dot the ocean between St. Vincent and G