"
I could understand the captain's dilemma, but I sighed when I thought
of the time that might elapse before I would again see my betrothed.
CHAPTER VIII
PEARL ISLAND
For some weeks after sighting the South Sea Islands we continued to
cruise among them, visiting many places, some of which were unknown to
former navigators.
The weather at this time was calm and fine, but one day when in the
open sea a tempest drove us among a number of islands, most of which
appeared to be little better than barren rocks. As we approached,
however, we observed one of large size, mountainous, well wooded, and
fertile, and here we hoped to find the fresh water and vegetable food
of which we stood in need. On rounding a coral reef which made a
natural breakwater, we anchored in a quiet bay opposite a beach, and a
party of us made ready to go ashore.
The waters of this bay were blue as the sky above, and we could see in
the depths below a marine garden of seaweed and coral, and what
interested us more, a great quantity of pearl shell. As we rowed
towards the shore the beach became thronged with natives who appeared
by their gestures to be full of wonder at the sight of our vessel.
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