154 THE WOODLANDS ORCHIDS 



Sam's idea as a jest in conversation when several friends were 

 present. One of them recalled how Governor Digby had 

 sent some orchids to Europe ages ago, which sold for a 

 mint of money. Others had heard something of the legend. 

 Ponder, young and enterprising, inclined to think the matter 

 worth notice. He inquired among the oldest inhabitants, 

 Carib and negro. Many recollected the Governor's specula- 

 tion, and the orchid also, when pressed. It was as big as a 

 bunch of bananas, blue — no, red — no, yellow ; shaped just 

 like a boat, or a bird, or a star, or a monkey climbing a tree, 

 and so forth. But all agreed about the fringe, ' now you 

 come to mention it.' Ponder saw they knew nothing 

 beyond the mere fact. But he made up his mind to get 

 some specimens next rainy season, and judge for himself 

 whether a consignment would be likely to pay. 



In due time the cutters appeared with their rafts of 

 timber. It was not the moment to broach an unfamiliar 

 subject. Calculations awfully intricate for those honest 

 fellows had to be made intelligible to them once more, and 

 then to be discussed, approved, explained again, and finally 

 accepted or compromised. The Caribs passed all day in 

 argument and in measuring the logs over and over ; all night 

 in working sums of arithmetic on fingers and toes. At 

 length the amount due was computed amicably, as usual, and 

 paid. But then, not without embarrassment, the whole gang 

 ' gave notice.' 



When such an event occurs, under such circumstances, 

 an employer knows the reason. His Caribs have found 

 gold. There is nothing to be said beyond wishing them 

 luck. But Mr. Ponder asked Sam to get him a few of his 

 orchids next rains. Sam declined, somewhat roughly. Mr. 

 Ponder laid the dispute before the Guild, so to call it, which 

 pronounced that Sam must carry out his proposal before 

 leaving the firm's service. 



