besides which he had put them on with the back
to the front!

"Ah! my friend, they do not fit," said Waroonga, thinking it unnecessary
to refer to the error. "I will find a larger pair for you in the store.
But try this coat. It is the kind worn by the white man when he goes
to see his friends. It will be much easier to put on, I think." So
saying, Waroonga produced a blue surtout with bright brass buttons.

"No," said Tomeo, drawing himself up with dignity, and putting the
garment aside, "I do not require it. Has not a coat of skin been given
to me? I want no other."

And truly, the dark brown skin which fitted so perfectly to his muscular
frame--tattooed as it was with many elegant devices--seemed to warrant
his rejection of the ill-made surtout. But in Ratinga, as elsewhere,
tastes differ. Buttchee's fancy was caught by the brass buttons, and he
volunteered to put on the coat, although he had looked with scorn on the
trousers.

Like his brother chief, however, he experienced considerable difficulty,
especially in distinguishing the difference between the left arm-hole
and the breast pocket, despite the able assistance of Waroonga. At last
he got the coat partially on, and with a mighty heave, forced it upon
his broad shoulders. Then he stood with arms awkwardly curved and
extended, uncertain what to do next. He was by no means properly into
the garment, and his look of solemn inquiry said as much to the
missionary.

"Try another heave, my friend," said Waroonga, in a tone of
encouragement.

Buttchee tried, with the result of a mysterious and incomprehensible
noise at his back.

"What is that?" he said quickly, with looks of alarm, as he endeavoured
to glance over his shoulder.

"I fear," replied Waroonga with some hesitation, "that the coat has
burst!"

There could be no doubt whatever about that, for a long strip of the
chief's back was visible, as if a gusset of brown leather had been
introduced into the blue coat, from the waist to the collar.

For a considerable time after this, both chiefs declined further
experiments in the clothing way, but ultimately Tomeo was induced to
wear a striped flannel jersey, and Buttchee, of his own accord, adopted
a scarlet flannel petticoat that had been given to his wife. Thus was
the ice of conservatism broken in the island of Ratinga, and liberal
views prevailed thenceforward in the matter of costume--whether to the
advancement of taste and decency re