"I deeply regret that I have not a more luxurious car to offer you," the native apologized as he led the way.
"They get you there and bring you back," Mr. Lakewood smiled.
The home of the king of the island proved to be a large affair when compared with the others of the village. Built almost entirely of bamboo it contained several rooms, including a large comfortably furnished living room, as well as a commodious dining room. The meal was very good, consisting of many courses, several of which were entirely new to the boys. But they liked them all, and afterward agreed that they had never eaten a better dinner. At eleven o'clock they were driven back to the boat more pleased than ever with their host.
"He says we can get all the oil we want," Mr. Lakewood told them, as they parted for the night shortly before twelve o'clock. "We'll spend tomorrow getting stocked up and be off early the next morning."
Filling the oil tanks took the best part of the next day, as the oil was brought out to the boat in buckets by the natives. After watching them for some time in the morning, the boys decided they would take a walk about the village and, after being cautioned against getting into trouble by their uncle, they started off shortly before ten o'clock. There was much to interest them in the quaint settlement, and the time passed so rapidly that they were surprised when Bob's watch told them that it was high noon.
"We'll be late to dinner," Bob said. "Wonder how far we are from the wharf."
"Can't be more'n a half mile, I reckon."
"Well, come on, we'll have to hustle to get back on time and you know how much Wong likes to have us late for a meal."
"About as much as I like castor oil," Jack laughed as they turned down a side street thinking to take a short cut back.
"Sure this is the way?" Bob asked a moment later.