and on a number of far away islands, where, for a time, all lead a
sort of Robinson Crusoe life.

In writing this tale I had in mind not alone to please my young
readers, but also to give them a fair picture of life on the ocean
as it is to-day, in distinction to what it was years ago, and also
to acquaint the boys and girls with some of the beauties of those
mid-ocean lands which are generally, so strange to all of us. The
boys see much that is new, novel, and pleasing--new fruits, new
flowers, new animals--and have often to use their wits to the utmost,
to get themselves out of serious difficulty and also to make
themselves, and those under their protection, comfortable.

Once again I thank my young friends for the interest they have shown
in my previous stories. I trust that all who peruse this volume will
find it equally to their liking.

Affectionately and sincerely yours, ARTHUR M. WINFIELD.





THE ROVER BOYS ON LAND AND SEA




CHAPTER I