THE TURTLES OF SAND-KEY ISLAND. 201 



I admired everything, at the same time lending 

 an attentive ear to Downing's explanations. After 

 which, as I was about to take my leave for 

 the purpose of returning to Fort Imperial, my 

 entertainer said : " Perhaps, sir, it may be a little 

 bold in me to invite a white man to my table, but 

 if you will condescend to take supper here, I think 

 I can offer a better meal than you are likely to find 

 at your hotel." 



" My good friend," I replied, " it's all the same to 

 me what colour a man may be of, and I accept your 

 hospitality gladly." 



" Thank you, sir," cried Downing, evidently greatly- 

 pleased with the compliment ; " and now you shall 

 have a supper all of turtle.'^ 



''All of turtle!" 



"Yes, sir — soup, entree and joint, all complete. 

 A green turtle will supply our supper, and you may 

 rely upon my cooking. I've a reputation that way, 

 you must know, and am rather proud of it." 



On this. Downing installed me into a comfort- 

 able rocking-chair under a bower of magnolias, and 

 having placed some capital cigars within reach, 

 betook himself to his kitchen with a young negress 

 servant, and left me to enjoy the pleasures of a 

 delightful reverie. It was not long, however, before 

 a delicious odour interrupted the course of my medi- 

 tations. The kitchen window was open, and that fact 

 accounted for the undefinable perfume which not 



