es without smashing any, sweeping
the kitchen floor and shovelling up--nothing; there was nothing left
for me to do, for the north-going steamer was not due until early in
the afternoon. When she should arrive and give me delivery of the
freight which she was bringing, I knew I should have enough to occupy
my attention for some days to come, getting the cases opened up and the
goods checked over, priced and set out in the store; but, meantime, my
time was my own.

It was a glorious morning. The sun was shining and the air was balmy
as a midsummer's day at home. I opened the front door and gazed on the
loveliness; I stretched my arms and felt vigour running to my
finger-tips. Then I longed, how I longed, for a swim!

And why not! I slipped out of my shirt and trousers and got into my
bathing suit. I ran down to the end of the wharf and out on to the
rocks.

The water was calm, and deep, and of a pale green hue. I could see the
rock cod and little shiners down there, darting about on a breakfast
hunt.

Filling my lungs, I took a header in, coming up fifteen yards out and
shaking my head with a gurgling cry of pleasure. I struck out,
overhand, growing stronger and more vigorous each succeeding moment, as
the refreshing sea played over my body. On, on I went, turning upon my
breast sometimes, sometimes on my back, lashing the water into foam
with my feet and blowing it far into the air from my mouth.

Half a mile out and I was as near to the island, in the middle of the
Bay, as I was to the wharf. I knew I could make it, although I had not
been in the water for several weeks. I had an abundance of time, the
sea was warm, the island looked pretty,--so on I went.

I reached it at last, a trifle blown, but in good condition.

It had not been by any means a record swim for me. I had not intended
that it should. All the way, it had been a pleasure trip.

I made for a sandy beach, between two rocky headlands. Soon, I got my
footing and waded ashore. After a short rest, I set out to survey the
island.

All the childhood visions I had stored in my memory of "Coral Island,"
"Crusoe's Island," and "Treasure Island" became visualised and merged
into one,--the island I was exploring.

It was of fairy concept; only some four hundred yards long and about a
hundred yards in breadth, with rugged rocks and sandy beaches; secret
caves and strange caverns; fertile over all with small fir and arbutus
trees, shrubs,