over the rail in company with Jake, who had come on deck to
ascertain why the yacht had been brought to a standstill, "it isn't a nice
thing to smell of, and I shall remember this afternoon whenever I see
perfume."
"It isn't always the most agreeable things which are of the most
service," Jake replied with an air of wisdom; and then as a loud shout
was heard from the shore, the boat having reached the land some time
since, he added, "It's ambergris for a fact, or they wouldn't be makin'
such a fuss."
Five minutes later the little craft was seen approaching the yacht, and
each instant the odor became stronger until both the boys were forced
to cover their organs of smell.
In the bow of the boat was a black mass looking not unlike coke, and
weighing, as was afterward ascertained, forty ounces.
"I thought I couldn't be mistaken, although I never run across anything
of the kind but once before," Mr. Walters said triumphantly, as he
handed the precious substance up to one of the sailors, who took it very
unwillingly.
"We shall be driven out of the yacht if you try to carry it home," Mr.
Emery replied, moving aft as far as possible.
"It won't trouble us many hours. We will sell or ship it at Nassau, and I
reckon all hands can manage to live until we arrive there."
The valuable substance was wrapped carefully in several thicknesses of
canvas, and placed in the hold where it is not probable any odor from it
could have been perceptible on deck, although both the boys were quite
positive the yacht was thoroughly permeated.
After this short delay the Sea Dream continued on her course at a
higher rate of speed, for now that she was so near land the heat seemed
unbearable, and when night came Neal and Teddy stretched themselves
out in the hammocks which had been slung under the after awning,
wishing, not for a glimpse of Nassau; but that they were off the New
England coast instead of being so near the tropics.
Then, despite the profuse perspiration, both fell asleep, not to waken
until the rattling of the cable through the hawse-holes told that they
were in the harbor.
CHAPTER III.
NASSAU.
A semi-tropical port in midsummer is by no means a pleasant place
however diversified and picturesque the scenery may be, and when the
boys awakened from their restless slumber the lassitude which beset
them told how great an effect the climate could exert.
Even Mr. Emery was disinclined to any severe exertion; but his
business must be transacted, and, after a breakfast eaten on deck, he
ordered the boat to be made ready.
"If possible I shall leave to-night," Neal and Teddy heard him say to the
sailing master, "therefore it will be well to get your ambergris on shore
before noon."
Neither of the boys cared to see the town at the expense of walking
around under the blazing sun, and when Mr. Emery was being rowed
toward the dock-yard they joined Jake who, in the coolest spot under
the awning, was watching the fishermen near by.
The water was clear as crystal, and of a bright greenish tinge which
admitted of their seeing very distinctly the tiny fish of silver and golden
hues as they darted to and fro; the violet and blue medusæ, and the
cream-colored jelly-fish as big as a watermelon. There were angel fish
of a bright blue tinge; yellow snappers; black and white sergeant
majors; pilot fish; puff fish which could inflate their bodies until they
were round as a ball, or flatten themselves to the shape of a griddle
cake.
The cow fish attracted the boys' attention more particularly, for it had
two horns, and its head was shaped exactly like a cow, and when one
passed with a "calf" as Teddy called it, swimming by her side, both
agreed that it was well worth suffering so much from the heat to see
such a sight.
Fish of all colors and sizes swam around the yacht as if examining her
hull, and the effect of such brilliant hues displayed through the
crystal-like water was actually startling because of the gorgeousness.
Before they were weary of admiring this aquatic panorama Jake called
their attention to a fisherman who, in a small canoe, was pursuing his
vocation in a very odd manner.
In his boat he had a hideous looking sucking fish, around the tail of
which was tied a long cord with a wooden float at one end. While the
boys were watching him he dropped the monster overboard, and in an
instant it darted at a medium-sized Jew fish, attaching itself to the latter
by means of the sucking valve on the
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