eminence.

"I am about to sacrifice to your divinity two green cocoa-nuts, two
roasted bread-fruit, and half a dozen fishes," was the answer.

"Well, I suppose it must be permitted," sighed Father Higgins. "Go on
wid yer sacrifice, me dear felly. I presume, av coorse, that it will be
in ordher for me to ate some av it. Let the fishes be well cooked,
by-the-way, and sarved wid some kind av sauce. I'd almost as lave be
devoured meself as devour raw fishes."

"Really, I have some scruples," smiled the mischievous professor. "You
might shock the devotional feelings of your new worshippers."

"I insist upon it, Heller. I tell ye I won't ate raw fishes to convart a
continent av haythins, much less a little bit island av 'um."

The fish being promptly broiled on the coals of the altar, were handed
up to Father Higgins on a large leaf, together with one of the
cocoa-nuts and a bread-fruit. The worthy man immediately proceeded to
make a hearty meal, vastly to the delight and confirmation in the faith
of his worshippers, they having never before been blessed with a god
who could fairly and squarely eat his dinner. After another brief speech
from the chief, and a benediction from the padre, the multitude
dispersed.

"Is it me unavoidable duty to live on this perch, Heller?" demanded
Father Higgins. "Me opinion is that in that case I shall get mightily
tired av me mission. I'd about as lave be a parrot, an' sit in a tin
ring."