part of Larry and Will. As for
Muggins, although always earnest, he was never eager. Tremendous indeed
must have been the influence which could rouse him into a state of
visible excitement! During the discussion the other two grew so warm
that they forgot all about time and turtles, and would certainly have
prolonged their talk for another hour had not one of the men appeared,
telling them to clap a stopper on their potato-traps and return to the
boat, as the sport was going to begin.

The moon had risen and commenced her course through a sky which was so
clear that the planets shone like resplendent jewels, and the distant
stars like diamond dust. Not a breath of air ruffled the surface of the
sea; nevertheless, its slumbering energies were indicated by the waves
on the outlying coral reef, which, approaching one by one, slowly and
solemnly, fell with what can only be called a quiet roar, hissed gently
for a moment on the sand, and then passed with a sigh into absolute
silence.

"Don't it seem as if the sea wor sleepin'," whispered one of the men,
while they all lay watching under the boat.

"Ay, an' snorin' too," answered another.

"Whisht!" exclaimed a third, "if old Neptune hears ye, he'll wake up an'
change his tune."

"Och, sure he's woke up already," whispered Larry, pointing with great
excitement to a dark object which at that moment appeared to emerge from
the sea.

"Mum's the word, boys," whispered the old salt who had charge of the
party; "the critters are comin', an' England expec's every man for to do
his dooty, as old Nelson said."

In the course of a few minutes several more dark objects emerged from
the sea, and waddled with a kind of sigh or low grunt slowly up the
beach, where they lay, evidently intending to have a nap! With
breathless but eager interest, the sailors lay perfectly still, until
fifteen of the dark objects were on the sands, and sufficient time was
allowed them to fall into their first nap. Then the word "Turn" was
given, and, leaping up, each man rushed swiftly but silently upon his
prey! The turtles were pounced upon so suddenly that, almost before
they were wide awake, they were caught; a bursting cheer followed, and
instantly ten splendid animals were turned over on their backs, in which
position, being unable to turn again, they lay flapping their flippers
violently.

"That's the way to go it," shouted one of the men who, after turning his
turtle, dashed after one