then used had, of course, been removed-it was stocked with furniture from the Corporal's store-room, or from the superfluities of the best houses in Tristan D'Acunha. A good mattress, not too soft; two substantial chairs; a small round table; a stool with a metal basin on it for washing, and a diminutive lookingglass, constituted the luxurious furniture of this aristocratic chamber; for luxurious furniture, and an aristocratic chamber, both were certainly considered to be by the worthy islanders.

CHAPTER X.

THE ISLAND OF THE LIVING CRUSOES.

AFTER the tossing about of the little brig upon the waves of the Atlantic, I slept deliciously in this strange apartment, lulled to sleep by the hoarse roar of the sea as it rolled upon and retreated from the pebbly beach.

In the morning, after completing my toilette, in the natural and simple manner rendered necessary by the unsophisticated habits of the Tristandacunians, I sallied forth to take a walk before breakfast. Pathways led between the different enclosures down into the interior of the island as far as the cultivation extended. It was altogether a beautiful scene that met my gaze as I left the house and stood upon the mound to take a survey of the island. In

the bay, sheltered by a projecting cliff, which rose almost perpendicularly from the deep water, lay the brig quietly at anchor, her own boat and one of those owned by the islanders both at her side, being laden with cargo to be conveyed on shore.

All around on land was perfectly still and composed, hardly a sound but the twitter of the birds singing in the early sunshine. South rose the dark mountain, capped with clouds, that occupied nearly half the island, ending the view in that quarter; the fields in the neighbourhood were rich with crops that were only awaiting the sickle-in some of them, indeed, the islanders were busily engaged in reaping wheat and oats, their staple produce, which seemed to ripen here, in sheltered situations, as early as potatoes. Extensive pasture lands lay beyond the corn-fields, in which the oxen and sheep browsed undisturbed. Here and there women made their way amongst the former, milking, occasionally tying up some unruly cow to a tree, or getting a sturdy urchin to assist them whilst the operation progressed.

The only men visible were those working at the brig, at this distance only faintly discern

ible, and the few, half-a-dozen, perhaps, who were reaping. One lounger, apparently an idle ne'er-do-weel, I noticed afterwards, lolling on a bank, half-dozing, half awake, when he ought to have been engaged in some description of work. The idle children who were about, speedily made acquaintance with me ; the bashful timidity of children brought up in civilized society was altogether wanting amongst them, and when they had once broken the ice of restraint, which they were not long in doing, their attentions were far from agreeable. One insisted on examining my watch, whilst a second pulled out my handkerchief, and displayed it to the rest, laughingly.

I was in danger of being utterly despoiled, when Mrs. Macrae's kind interposition saved me from further annoyance.

Gude mornin' to you, freend," said she, "I ken ye'll be havin' an appetite for your breakfast the mornin'."

"Indeed you are quite right," said I; "I feel hungry enough. I wanted, however, to have a little walk before I took it, to see something of your fine island."

"Aweel, aweel, you'll dae jist as you like 't.

Wull ye tak yer breakfast wi' us or in yer own room? Mayster Glass 'll be always glad to see you, you ken, when you like."

"Thank you," I replied; "I'll take my breakfast in my own room this morning, if you please.'

"Vera weel, and gude mornin'. My dochter will see till 't presently, but I've muckle to dae, I ken, an' I must not be standin' gossippin' here. Awa' wi' you, Jock; awa' wi' you, Barney, an' let the gentleman gang his gait in quietness."

Jock and Barney slunk away at the command, unhesitatingly. It was evident that Mr. Glass's family inherited his natural capability for governing, for Mrs. Macrae was a formidable woman in the colony. The idle loon who had been lounging on the sunny bank before, on hearing her voice, was labouring strenuously in a little garden adjoining, before her departure.

My appearance still excited considerable interest in the huts and cottages I passed-many of which, though differing much in external appearance, according to the industrious or idle habits of their inmates, were comfortable