his face, except, indeed, the mouth, which, being firmly fixed to
the hole in the nut, could not take part in the expression; but he
endeavoured to make up for this by winking at us excessively with
his right eye. At length he stopped, and, drawing a long breath,
exclaimed -

"Nectar! perfect nectar! I say, Jack, you're a Briton - the best
fellow I ever met in my life. Only taste that!" said he, turning
to me and holding the nut to my mouth. I immediately drank, and
certainly I was much surprised at the delightful liquid that flowed
copiously down my throat. It was extremely cool, and had a sweet
taste, mingled with acid; in fact, it was the likest thing to
lemonade I ever tasted, and was most grateful and refreshing. I
handed the nut to Jack, who, after tasting it, said, "Now,
Peterkin, you unbeliever, I never saw or tasted a cocoa nut in my
life before, except those sold in shops at home; but I once read
that the green nuts contain that stuff, and you see it is true!"

"And pray," asked Peterkin, "what sort of 'stuff' does the ripe nut
contain?"

"A hollow kernel," answered Jack, "with a liquid like milk in it;
but it does not satisfy thirst so well as hunger. It is very
wholesome food I believe."

"Meat and drink on the same tree!" cried Peterkin; "washing in the
sea, lodging on the ground, - and all for nothing! My dear boys,
we're set up for life; it must be the ancient Paradise, - hurrah!"
and Peterkin tossed his straw hat in the air, and ran along the
beach hallooing like a madman with delight.