“I never knew how I loved that flag before,” cried Mabel enthusiastically.
“The most beautiful flag that floats,” chimed in Clara.
“The flag that stands for liberty everywhere,” remarked Jim.
“Yes,” was Joe’s tribute. “The flag that when 157 it has gone up anywhere has never been pulled down.”
As the ship drew near the shore the beauty of the island paradise brought exclamations of delight from the passengers who thronged the steamer’s rails.
The harbor was a scene of busy life and animation. The instant the ship dropped anchor she was surrounded by native boats, paddled by Hawaiian youngsters, who indulged in exhibitions of diving and swimming that were a revelation of skill.
“They’ve got it all over the fishes when it comes to swimming,” remarked Jim with a grin. “Cough up all your spare coin, Joe, and see these little beggars dive for it.”
They tossed coin after coin into the transparent waters and swiftly as each piece sank, the young swimmer was swifter. Every one was caught before it reached bottom, and came up clutched in some dusky hand or shining between ivory teeth.
“I’ll be bankrupt if this keeps up long,” laughed Joe.
“Yes,” said Jim. “You’ll wish you’d joined the All-Star League and copped that twenty thousand.”