196 SPORT IN NORTH AMERICA. 



three weeks here^ 1^11 arrange an expedition to 

 Hetera, and I'll wager that we shall have some sport 

 such as you have rarely seen. The weather's all in 

 our favour, for it's full moon, and I know where 

 to find some wreckers who are friends of mine, 

 and who'll wish for no better fun than to go with 

 us." 



"Wreckers ! " cried I. "Is it possible you keep 

 company with such people ? In Europe, we always 

 set down ' wreckers ' as thieves ; sometimes even as 

 murderers." 



" But in America, sir, they are a very different 

 race. ' Wreckers ' are fishermen by trade, but are 

 at all times ready to risk their own lives to save 

 those of other people. By the law, they are authorised 

 in taking possession of such Avaifs as the sea may 

 cast ashore. The insurance companies pay the 

 owners, and the poor bodies who do so much good 

 must live." 



" Well, well, friend Downing ; it will be a new 

 sort of character to study, at any rate. And now, 

 how about the turtles ? " 



"' Would 3^ou like to see my museum, sir ? " 



" Your museum ? " 



"Yes; my collection of turtles. They are not 

 alive, of course; but they'll give you a good idea 

 of the different species. I've fished for them these 

 forty years, and have collected the best specimens 

 which came in my way."' 



