re of a large packing-case filled with fine
shavings from other cases; and then the entire exterior of the case was
painted black and white in a bold chequer pattern, with the words
"Please open" in bold red letters on each side, and as soon as the paint
was dry Leslie put it on board the catamaran, and, running some three
miles to leeward of the island, launched it overboard. The case, being
light, floated high, and, with its bold chequer pattern, formed a
conspicuous object, calculated to attract attention at any distance not
exceeding a mile. Then he returned to the brig, and, with Flora's
assistance, resumed his task of breaking out cargo.

There is no need to state in detail the contents of each case and bale
that they hoisted on deck; suffice it to say that the cargo, being what
is known as "general," comprised almost every imaginable thing, much of
it being of a character that would either conduce to their present
comfort or be possibly useful to them in the future. Only a small
proportion of the whole, therefore, went overboard; and since the
remainder would in any case be irretrievably lost to its proper owners,
Leslie had no scruples whatever in appropriating it to their own use.

The goods thus appropriated comprised an infinite variety of articles,
among which may be enumerated enough lamps to illuminate a small
village; a few pictures, with which they adorned the interior of their
tent; household furniture of all kinds, such as bedsteads, with their
bedding, wardrobes, dressing and other tables, chests of drawers,
domestic utensils of every kind, cutlery, china and glass, carpets, a
huge pier glass, and, to Flora's infinite delight, a magnificent Kaps
grand piano. Then there was more clothing--enough to last them both for
the remainder of their lives--a case of repeating rifles and revolvers,
another case containing ammunition for the same, and a quantity of
valuable jewellery, watches, etcetera, cases of perfumery, handsome
fans, bric-a-brac--in short, a sufficiency of everything to enable them
to convert their humble tent into a most comfortable, elegant, and
luxurious abode.

This, however, was not all, or even their most valuable find. There
were cases containing picks, shovels, and other implements, some steel
wheelbarrows, a case containing a large assortment of carpenters' and
joiners' tools, cases of assorted nails and screws, and a very long
packing-case, which, upon being opened, was found