"But I thought the missionaries had tamed the savage instincts of these natives."
"Without wishing to disparage the splendid work done by the missionaries, Reggie, I can safely assert that on hundreds of these islands cannibalism and the savage rites of heathen worship are as rampant as they were two hundred years ago. It seems remarkable to hear the ideas some people have about foreign parts. Some imagine the Pacific to be a veritable paradise of converted natives clad in gowns of Manchester cotton prints; while, on the other hand, I heard of the case of a youngster going to South Africa to Port Elizabeth, in fact—who took with him a revolver to shoot roaming Kaffirs! To change the subject, would you mind going over to Fowey and getting the Record? I've sent an advertisement, and want to make sure that it's in."
In less than an hour I returned with the paper, and this is a copy of my father's announcement—
WANTED.—Twelve ex-naval men to form the crew of an auxiliary yacht about to make a trip round the world. Twelve months' engagement. Must be single men of exemplary character.—Apply by letter, giving full particulars of rating, etc., to Box 1245, office of this paper.
"That's satisfactory," said the pater. "We'll run up to Plymouth to-morrow and call at the Naval and Military Record offices, and get the letters."
"So soon?"
"Aye; there'll be a score of replies in the post by now, if I'm not mistaken."
We went to Plymouth as arranged, and, upon calling at the office, we were handed a large wicker tray crammed full with letters and post-cards.
"All these for me?" asked the pater. "Yes, sir, and almost as many again will be in by to-night's post, I daresay."
"Then please destroy the rest, and insert a notice stating that the vacancies have been filled, for I've no doubt that I can suit my requirements from this budget."