drew his
attention particularly. These were magnificently striped and coloured,
and apparently very fearless.

"What convenient tails they have to lay hold of," remarked our hero, as
they slowly glided past one; "I believe I could catch it with my hand!"

Stooping swiftly as he spoke, he dipped his arm into the water, and
actually did grasp the fish by its tail, but dropped it again
instantly--to the shrieking delight of the urchin and Kathy,--for the
tail was armed with a series of sharp spines which ran into his hand
like lancets.

This was an appropriate conclusion to a day that would have been
otherwise too enjoyable. Poor Nigel's felicity was further diluted when
he met his father.

"We'll have to sleep a-board to-night," said the captain, "for there's a
fair breeze outside which seems likely to hold, and the mast has been
temporarily rigged up, so we'll have to up anchor, and away by break of
day to-morrow."

Nigel's heart sank.

"To-morrow! father?"

"Ay, to-morrow. Business first, pleasure afterwards."

"Well, I suppose you are right, but it seems almost a shame to leave
such a heaven upon earth as this in such a hurry. Besides, is it not
unkind to such hospitable people to bolt off after you've got all that
you want out of them?"

"Can't help that, lad--

"Dooty first, an' fun to follow,
That's what beats creation hollow."

"Come father, don't say that you quote _that_ from mother!"

"No more I do, my boy. It's my own--homemade. I put it together last
night when I couldn't sleep for your snorin'."

"Don't tell fibs, father. You know I never snore. But--really--are we to
start at daylight?"

"We are, if the wind holds. But you may stay as late as you choose on
shore to-night."

Nigel availed himself of the opportunity to see as much of the place and
people as was possible in the limited time. Next morning the good though
damaged brig was running in the direction of Sunda Straits before a
stiff and steady breeze.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 1: We recommend those who desire more curious information on
the fauna and flora of the Keeling Islands to apply to Henry O. Forbes'
most interesting book, _A Naturalist's Wanderings in the Eastern
Archipelago_.--(Sampson Low.)]

CHAPTER V.

CAPTAIN ROY SURPRISES AND GRATIFIES HIS SON, WHO SURPRISES A NEGRO, AND
SUDDENLY FORMS AN ASTONISHING RESOLVE.

Arrived in Batavia--the low-lying seaport and capital of the Dutch
island of Java--Ca