t the ocean, according to the popular theory, possesses a
special purifying agent in its salts, is somewhat to be doubted. Nor
can it be explicitly denied, that those very salts might corrupt it,
were it not for the brisk circulation of its particles consequent
upon the flow of the streams. It is well known to seamen, that a
bucket of sea-water, left standing in a tropical climate, very soon
becomes highly offensive; which is not the case with rainwater.

But I build no theories. And by way of obstructing the one, which
might possibly be evolved from the statement above, let me add, that
the offensiveness of sea-water left standing, may arise in no small
degree from the presence of decomposed animal matter.

CHAPTER XXXV
Ah, Annatoo!

In order to a complete revelation, I must needs once again discourse
of Annatoo and her pilferings; and to what those pilferings led. In
the simplicity of my soul, I fancied that the dame, so much flattered
as she needs must have been, by the confidence I began to repose in
her, would now mend her ways, and abstain from her larcenies. But not
so. She was possessed by some scores of devils, perpetually her to
mischief on their own separate behoof, and not less for many of her
pranks were of no earthly advantage to, her, present or prospective.

One day the log-reel was missing. Summon Annatoo. She came; but knew
nothing about it. Jarl spent a whole morning in contriving a
substitute; and a few days after, pop, we came upon the lost: article
hidden away in the main-top.

Another time, discovering the little vessel to "gripe" hard in
steering, as if some one under water were jerking her backward, we
instituted a diligent examination, to see what was the matter. When
lo; what should we find but a rope, cunningly attached to one of the
chain-plates under the starboard main-channel. It towed heavily in
the water. Upon dragging it up--much as you would the cord of a
ponderous bucket far down in a well--a stout wooden box was
discovered at the end; which opened, disclosed sundry knives,
hatchets, and ax-heads.

Called to the stand, the Upoluan deposed, that thrice he had rescued
that identical box from Annatoo's all-appropriating clutches.

Now, here were four human beings shut up in this little oaken craft,
and, for the time being, their interests the same. What sane mortal,
then, would forever be committing thefts, without rhyme or reason. It
was like stealing silver from one pock