224 LETTEK OF THE ADMIRAL'S SECRETARY. 
before the advancing surf can wash them off; 
but frequently they are, washed off, and then 
they have to exert all their skill to land, for 
they have no surf-board to help them. 
" Christmas Day is a grand feast, and they 
keep it up in good style; but the Queen's 
birthday is their grand day; it is kept up 
with feasting and dancing (the only day they 
are allowed to dance on the island), and all 
sorts of merriment. Among the first ques- 
tions everybody asks is, How is her Majesty 
the Queen ? 
" Away, away ! we are off to the world 
again, truly sorry to leave this island ; their 
happiness in this life consists wholly in virtue, 
and their virtue is their truest pleasure. 
They think that (and how really true it is !) 
the more religious and virtuous you become, 
the happier you are ; deeming every sin to 
take from your enjoyment in this and the 
after life. If we were to take away the 
credit due to them of leading so good a life 
from principle, they would still continue, as 
they know that true pleasure is only to be 
obtained by obeying the will of God. Their 
temperance and industry give them health, 
