They will not be satisfied to
live on this little islet here just ahead of us, for although there are
plenty of coconut trees on it, it is little better than a sandbank, and
when bad weather comes on they will get dissatisfied and sulky, and
when they become sulky they won't dive. Now that big island, so Gurden
told you, is much higher than any of the rest; it has not only plenty
of coconuts, but groves of breadfruit as well, and there are several
native wells there. If we remained here, I am afraid that our men
would be continually grumbling. Every now and then some of them would
be running away--a breadfruit grove and plenty of fresh water would be
attractions no kanaka ever born could resist. And then there is
another thing to be considered. These natives of ours won't live
together with Mr. Warner's Solomon Island niggers; the place is so
small that they would be bound to begin quarrelling again."

"My boys won't interfere with them," said Warner sullenly; "and besides
that I've arranged with the captain. I'll pick on a place for my
crowd."

"Very well, Mr. Barry," broke in the captain, "whatever you suggest I
will do; only let us get to work as quickly as possible."

"I think, sir, that after dinner I had better take one of the
whaleboats with four or five hands and two days' provisions, run down
to the big island, and see what it is like."

All these matters being arranged, Rawlings invited his officers to
drink success to the future.

Immediately after dinner Barry picked five men to accompany him. Each
man took with him a Snider rifle and a dozen cartridges, in case of
their being attacked by the natives. At two o'clock they left the
ship, hoisted the sail, and stood away for the island, which was just
visible from the deck.

* * * * * *

Soon after Barry had left Captain Rawlings and Warner entered the main
cabin with Barradas, and told the steward to send the boatswain down.

For nearly half an hour they spoke together, now in low, now in excited
and angry voices, and Mr. Edward Barry would have been deeply
interested in their conversation could he have but heard it, inasmuch
as he was the chief subject.

"I tell you," said Rawlings, in a cold, sneering tone, as he leant over
the table with his chin resting on his hands, and looking at
Barradas--"I tell you that it will have to be done before we can take
this ship into port again."

"Mother of God!" said Ba