Rawlings and the others, who were examining pearls under cover of the poop awning, by the aid of half a dozen lanterns, took but little notice.
"They mean to enjoy themselves to-night," said Rawlings. "Well, they deserve to, they are working well."
"Yes, sir," said the native steward respectfully, as he placed a bottle of brandy and glasses on the skylight; "those men they tell me to-day that they would make a big fire to-night, because they have liberty. That is native fashion, sir."
"Ah, I see," said Rawlings carelessly, dropping another pearl into a cigar-box which was placed between himself and the others.
* * * * * *
As soon as the fire had burnt out, and only the faintly glowing bole of the pandanus palm remained, Barry, accompanied by Velo and Joe, set out along the beach towar
