Royal; for Port of Spain, the
present capital, was at that time but a small fishing-village. Several
other vessels having arrived about the same time, there was much bustle
in the place; and although numerous monks were moving about, no
questions were asked at my father as to the religion he professed. It
was, as he had supposed would be the case, taken for granted that we
were, like the rest of the people, Roman Catholics.

He lost no time in selecting an estate at the northern end of the
island, near the foot of the mountains, well watered by several streams,
which descended from the heights above. A mere nominal rent was asked,
and he had the privilege of paying for it by instalments whenever he
should have obtained the means of doing so. Considering this a great
advantage, he had sanguine hopes of success. He at once commenced a
cacao plantation, of which some already existed in the island. It is a
tree somewhat resembling the English cherry-tree, and is about fifteen
feet in height, flourishing best in new soil near the margin of a river.
It requires, however, shelter from strong sunshine or violent winds.
For this purpose "plantain" or coral-bean trees are planted between
every second row; and these, quickly shooting up above the cacao-trees,
afford the most luxuriant appearance to a plantation, their long bare
stems being contrasted strongly with the rich green of the cacao below.
Nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove plantations were also formed; indeed, the
utmost pains were taken to make the ground productive.

Some progress had been made in the work before the arrival of Uncle Paul
and our cousin Arthur. They had been delayed longer than we had
expected, and we were for some time anxiously looking out for them. We
were consequently delighted when at length they appeared. Marian threw
her arms round Arthur's neck, and gave him the welcome of a sister, for
she loved him dearly.

Uncle Paul complimented our father on the energy he had displayed, and
expressed his wonder that so much had been done.

"My success is mainly owing to the way in which I treat those whom I
employ," he answered. "The natives especially flock here in numbers,
and are more ready to labour for me than for anybody else in the
neighbourhood."

With the assistance of Uncle Paul and Arthur, still greater progress was
made. They also established a house of business in Port Royal, of which
Uncle Paul took the chief management, while Arthu