uture in place of the cutlass, the blade of which it had
shorn through with such perfect ease. I found it to be somewhat heavier
than the cutlass, the blade being considerably thicker than that of the
other weapon, though not quite so wide; it was, however, perfectly
balanced and I was able to wield it with the utmost ease, while it was
literally as keen-edged as a razor; and so exquisite was its temper that
there was no sign of a notch or indentation of any description on its
edge along its entire length, from point to hilt. I returned it to its
sheath with much satisfaction, feeling that I had effected a most
profitable exchange.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN.

A SURPRISING REAPPEARANCE.

It was about three weeks later that, as Billy and I foregathered in the
living-room of the bungalow, early on a certain morning, discussing our
biscuit and early cup of coffee prior to setting out for the matutinal
bath that always preceded the work of the day, Billy asked:

"By the way, Mr Blackburn, did Kit disturb you at all last night? He
was so uneasy that I had to turn out twice and go to him, and both times
I found him standing at the top of the veranda steps, straining at his
leash," (latterly we always tied him up at night) "switching his tail
fiercely, and uttering half-suppressed growls, as though he scented or
heard something unusual prowling near the house. It was only by staying
with him for about half an hour that I at last succeeded in quieting him
down. You see, I was afraid he would awake you, and I knew how
frightfully tired you must be after your long day's work at the cutter,
under the broiling sun. I hope no apes or other unpleasant creatures
have found their way to Eden, and are lurking to frighten the life out
of me."

"I think you need not greatly fear," said I. "All the same, there was
probably a cause for Kit's uneasiness--which, by the way, did not in the
least disturb me, for I never heard him--and we may as well try to
discover what it was; therefore after breakfast I will take the rifle
and give a look round."

It was, however, unnecessary to wait until after breakfast for the
elucidation of the mystery, for when Billy and I reached the beach upon
which stood the nearly complete hull of the cutter, two ragged, unkempt,
sunburnt scarecrows emerged from the shadow of the craft and approached
me.

"Mornin', Mister," remarked the taller of the pair, in a would-be hearty
tone of voice that nevertheles