Ah me, here is an interruption! A native child approaches,
bearing as an offering a Lol Ipop (one of the native fruits).
Just before he reaches me he falls face down, doubtless out
of respect for my gray hairs, and, on arising, proffers me
the Lol Ipop, now coated with sand. In this state I am
expected to eat it, and, being in great awe and fear of the
inhabitants, I proceed to do so, which incapacitates me for
further epistolatory effort.

So, till I recover from the effects of my enforced meal,
believe me your devoted correspondent,

THE BOTTLE MAN.


"Well, of all mean tricks!" Jerry said.

"It's worse than a continued story," I said. "Bother the horrid
native child! Do you suppose that's really why he stopped?"

"Probably not; he knew it was the excitingest place to stop. What
did I tell you about his being ancient? Now he _says_ he has gray
hairs, so that proves it."

"I should think he might," I said, "after such experiences. What do
you think it could have been that stared at him?"

"An octopus, most likely," Jerry said. "They have goggly black eyes;
I've read it."