CRUISING ALONG SHORE. 203 



by the sun and wafted to our senses by a gentle breeze. 

 A mile away we were made aware of the existence of the 

 grove, yet hidden from us by a circling belt of palms. 

 Two thousand trees, in long straight rows, their glossy 

 green tops flecked with immaculate blossoms, a carpet 

 of emerald spangled with snowy stars. In the centre of 

 the grove we found the residence of the proprietor, 

 Captain Dummit a log-cabin with palmetto-thatched 

 roof. Think of a log-cabin in the Garden of Eden ! 

 But this is but one of the worthy captain s peculiarities. 

 There is a mystery surrounding him which he never 

 vouchsafes to break. Even in his cups I should say 

 buckets never a word is uttered regarding his seclu 

 sion from the world. Known far and near as a hard 

 drinker, he is ever the same well-bred gentleman, be he 

 drunk or sober. 



He and Tom R. once started down the river to 

 perform some work at the lower grove. Before setting 

 out he gave Tom $20 to purchase provisions with. 

 Aforesaid provisions are purchased according to his, 

 and, may be, the captain s fancy: Whiskey, $17.50; 

 hard tack, &quot;jest to chaw on, you know,&quot; $1.50; pork, 

 $1. Two bottles of whiskey Tom adds on his own 

 account. The captain also laid in a choice stock. 

 Thus armed they set sail, burning with an unquenchable 

 ardor for work. 



&quot; There s old Bob ; twould be kinder mean to pass 

 him without a smile,&quot; says Tom. 



&quot;That s so; let s land.&quot; 



They land ; they &quot; smile &quot; ; the smiles broaden into 

 a grin, and the proposition to call the entire male popula 

 tion of that section, and have &quot; a reg lar time,&quot; is hailed 

 with universal acclamation. Times, that is &quot;reg lar 



