“Our trouble took place when we returned to an island, having found it impossible to bring the natives we had taken off back with us. This they looked upon as cheating, and they would rush to arms, compelling us to fire upon them in self-defence.
“Well, we were constantly on the search for new islands. The natives on these might threaten us for a time, but the ‘call-crows’ soon pacified them. The beads and presents we distributed, coupled with the glowing accounts of life in Queensland which the ‘crows’ gave these poor heathen, did all the rest, and we soon had a cargo.”
“And this species of trade was, or is, called black-birding, I think,” said Tandy.
“It was, and is now, sub rosa.
“But I was going to tell you of a volcanic eruption. Before I do so, however, I propose that we order the main-brace to be spliced. For this is an auspicious night, you know, and I have not heard a jovial song on board the Sea Flower for many and many a day.
“Janeira!”
“Yes, sah. I’se not fah away, sah.”
And Janeira entered, smiling as usual, and as daintily dressed as a stage waiting-maid.
“Pass the word for Fitz, Janeira, like a good girl.”
“Oh, he’s neah too, sah. At you’ service, sah!”