“What convenient tails they have to lay hold of,” remarked our hero, as they slowly glided past one; “I believe I could catch it with my hand!”

Stooping swiftly as he spoke, he dipped his arm into the water, and actually did grasp the fish by its tail, but dropped it again instantly—­to the shrieking delight of the urchin and Kathy,—­for the tail was armed with a series of sharp spines which ran into his hand like lancets.

This was an appropriate conclusion to a day that would have been otherwise too enjoyable.  Poor Nigel’s felicity was further diluted when he met his father.

“We’ll have to sleep a-board to-night,” said the captain, “for there’s a fair breeze outside which seems likely to hold, and the mast has been temporarily rigged up, so we’ll have to up anchor, and away by break of day to-morrow.”

Nigel’s heart sank.

“To-morrow! father?”

“Ay, to-morrow.  Business first, pleasure afterwards.”

“Well, I suppose you are right, but it seems almost a shame to leave such a heaven upon earth as this in such a hurry.  Besides, is it not unkind to such hospitable people to bolt off after you’ve got all that you want out of them?”

“Can’t help that, lad—­

    “Dooty first, an’ fun to follow,
    That’s what beats creation hollow.”

“Come father, don’t say that you quote that from mother!”

“No more I do, my boy.  It’s my own—­homemade.  I put it together last night when I couldn’t sleep for your snorin’.”

“Don’t tell fibs, father.  You know I never snore.  But—­really—­are we to start at daylight?”

“We are, if the wind holds.  But you may stay as late as you choose on shore to-night.”

Nigel availed himself of the opportunity to see as much of the place and people as was possible in the limited time.  Next morning the good though damaged brig was running in the direction of Sunda Straits before a stiff and steady breeze.

FOOTNOTES: 

[Footnote 1:  We recommend those who desire more curious information on the fauna and flora of the Keeling Islands to apply to Henry O. Forbes’ most interesting book, A Naturalist’s Wanderings in the Eastern Archipelago.—­(Sampson Low.)]

CHAPTER V.

CAPTAIN ROY SURPRISES AND GRATIFIES HIS SON, WHO SURPRISES A NEGRO, AND SUDDENLY FORMS AN ASTONISHING RESOLVE.

Arrived in Batavia—­the low-lying seaport and capital of the Dutch island of Java—­Captain Roy had his brig examined, and found that the damage she had sustained was so serious that several months would probably elapse before she would be again ready for sea.

“Now, Nigel, my lad,” said the old gentleman, on the morning after the examination had been made, “come down below with me; I want to have a confabulation with ’ee.”