the water, but these took no further notice of our voyagers. They also
passed several ships--part of that constant stream of vessels which pass
westward through those straits laden with the valuable teas and rich
silks of China and Japan. In some cases a cheer of recognition, as being
an exceptional style of craft, was accorded them, to which the hermit
replied with a wave of the hand--Moses and Nigel with an answering
cheer.

There is something very pleasant in the rest which follows a day of hard
and healthful toil. Our Maker has so ordained it as well as stated it,
for is it not written, "The sleep of the labouring man is sweet"? and
our travellers experienced the truth of the statement that night in very
romantic circumstances.

The small rocky islet, not more than a few hundred yards in diameter,
which they now approached had several sheltered sandy bays on its shore,
which were convenient for landing. The centre was clothed with
palm-trees and underwood, so that fuel could be procured, and
cocoa-nuts.

"Sometimes," said the hermit, while he stooped to arrange the fire,
after the canoe and cargo had been carried to their camping-place at the
edge of the bushes,--"sometimes it is necessary to keep concealed while
travelling in these regions, and I carry a little spirit-lamp which
enables me to heat a cup of tea or coffee without making a dangerous
blaze; but here there is little risk in kindling a fire."

"I should not have thought there was any risk at all in these peaceful
times," said Nigel, as he unstrapped his blanket and spread it on the
ground under an overhanging bush.