ined to follow him. He
was, therefore, left much to his own devices, which, from his surly
manner, did not seem to be pleasant company.

"I am resolved, Peter," said Hartog to me, "not to return home without
sufficient treasure, at all events, to pay for the expenses of this
voyage. So make up your mind to grow old among savages unless luck
brings us a ransom from this banishment. My reputation, nay more, my
honour, is pledged not to go back empty-handed, and I'd face greater
perils than any we have encountered sooner than tell those
money-grubbers at Amsterdam their principal would not be returned to
them with interest."

I could understand the captain's dilemma, but I sighed when I thought
of the time that might elapse before I would again see my betrothed.

CHAPTER VIII

PEARL ISLAND

For some weeks after sighting the South Sea Islands we continued to
cruise among them, visiting many places, some of which were unknown to
former navigators.

The weather at this time was calm and fine, but one day when in the
open sea a tempest drove us among a number of islands, most of which
appeared to be little better than barren rocks. As we approached,
however, we observed one of large size, mountainous, well wooded, and
fertile, and here we hoped to find the fresh water and vegetable food
of which we stood in need. On rounding a coral reef which made a
natural breakwater, we anchored in a quiet bay opposite a beach, and a
party of us made ready to go ashore.

The waters of this bay were blue as the sky above, and we could see in
the depths below a marine garden of seaweed and coral, and what
interested us more, a great quantity of pearl shell. As we rowed
towards the shore the beach became thronged with natives who appeared
by their gestures to be full of wonder at the sight of our vessel. The
people here were of a light coffee colour, with wavy hair. The men, of
large stature, well formed, and dressed with a degree of taste far in
advance of any of the savages we had hitherto met with. Elaborate
devices were tattooed upon the exposed parts of their bodies; a
petticoat of finely-plaited cloth reached from waist to knee; beautiful
necklets made from red and white coral hung round their necks; while
their hair was frizzled like a mop upon their heads, powdered red or
yellow. The women were similarly attired, save that their petticoats
were longer and their hair hung straight, while the children went
entirely naked