52 SPOUTING ADVENTUEES 



wood had not been touched, and the man was 

 obliged to admit that no damage had been done, 

 in fact the dry grass and underwood only had 

 been burnt, which would improve the crops for 

 another year. 



The man seemed satisfied, and we dismissed 

 him with a few trifling presents. It was most 

 fortunate that we took the precaution of per- 

 sonally investigating the matter, as otherwise 

 heavy damages might have been obtained, for 

 on the departure of the " Reindeer " for Val- 

 paraiso, this same rascal asked if two of his men 

 might be given a passage to that port. The 

 request was readily granted, and the men were 

 fed, taken care of, and in due time landed ; they 

 proved to be the bearers of letters to their 

 master, Senor Lopes, who forthwith brought a 

 claim against us for damages done to the island, 

 which he rents from the Chilian government. 



I attended at the English Consulate at Val- 

 paraiso on several occasions, on purpose to meet 

 Mr. Lopes by appointment; he, however, found 

 it, more convenient not to appear, but on the 



