et suggestion of John the
opportunity was made whereby they were constantly thrown into contact
with the resident chiefs. Within a week they accepted the suggestions
and a half dozen surveyors were commissioned to go to the islands and
take up the work of surveying the lands, and making records, which were
to be put into such form that the Chiefs would understand them.

One day Ephraim, in conversation with John said: "I want my boys to
remain with you until they receive their education. I see that the
opportunities for work are unlimited, and I would also like to send over
a number of young men for the same purpose."

"Your decision pleases us immensely," said John, "and I have been
wondering why your daughter would not also like to remain for a time, as
there is much she can learn that will be of great help to you."

Ephraim was silent for a while, while he looked at John, and he finally
answered: "That means my wife will remain here also. But that has my
hearty consent. It will be for their good, and for the good of my
people."

It was not long before Ta Babeda heard of Ephraim's decision, and he
adapted the same course to the delight of his children. As for Beralsea,
his favorite daughter was already the wife of the Chief Sutoto, of the
Berees, and it was certain that she would remain in Unity, so that there
was no difficulty in getting his consent to sending his children and
others who would carry on the work of education.

But the boys had not, in the meantime, forgotten their factory. The old
water wheel was still there. Money could not purchase it, and they would
not permit its removal. It was the same old crude wheel built nearly
three years before at the Cataract, at the other end of the island, not
more than two miles from the rocky shore where the sea gave them up.

After the return there had been so much to see and to learn, about the
new developments, and the visitors required so much attention that the
boys quite forgot the copper box, and to inquire about the condition of
the paralyzed man who was found at Hutoton.

"The Professor has just told me," remarked John, "that the old man is
improving, and hopes that within another month he will be able to talk."

"Has he any idea of what his name is?"

"Not in the least. He keeps mumbling something about _the triangle_, or
something of that kind, but that is, of course, unintelligible."

"I understand Retlaw is improving, also?"

"Yes; we have thou