A VISIT TO SOME STRANOE PLAGES. 125 



scampered about over the sand or through the under- 

 growth, busy about goodness knows what. The beauti- 

 ful cocoa-nut palm was plentiful, so much so that I 

 wondered why there were no settlers to collect '* copra," 

 or dried cocoa-nut, for oil. My West Indian experience 

 came in handy now, for I was able to climb a lofty 

 tree in native fashion, and cut down a grand bunch of 

 green nuts, which form one of the most refreshing and 

 nutritious of foods, as well as a cool and delicious drink. 

 We had no line with us, so we took off our belts, which, 

 securely joined together, answered my purpose very well. 

 With them I made a loop round the tree and myself ; 

 then as I climbed I pushed the loop up with me, so that 

 whenever I wanted a rest, I had only to lean back in it, 

 keeping my knees against the trunk, and I was almost 

 as comfortable as if on the ground. 



After getting the nuts, we made a fire and roasted 

 some of our eggs, which, with a biscuit or two, made a 

 delightful meal. Then we fell asleep under a shady 

 tree, upon some soft moss ; nor did we wake again 

 until nearly time to go on board. A most enjoyable 

 swim terminated our day's outing, and we returned to 

 the beach abreast of the ship very pleased with the 

 excursion. 



We had no adventures, found no hidden treasure or 

 ferocious animals, but none the less we thoroughly 

 enjoyed ourselves. While we sat waiting for the boat to 

 come and fetch us off, we saw a couple of good-sized 

 turtle come ashore quite close to us. We kept perfectly 

 still until we were sure of being able to intercept them. 

 As soon as they had got far enough away from their 

 native element, we rushed upon them, and captured 

 them both, eo that when the boat arrived we were not 



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