The first cruise
was around the island of Barbadoes. Several curios were collected and
purchased and a goodly shipment sent back by the "Reindeer." When he
received them and read Paul's accompanying letter, Mr. Boyton was
satisfied that his son was now engaged in a business that thoroughly
suited him. The Cayosa, for such was the name of the little sloop, was
then provisioned for a voyage to the group of islands that lay to the
westward, and where it was said rare shells would be found. For a small
consideration the captain had agreed to bunk forward with crew, leaving
Tom Scott and Paul his little cabin all to themselves. This cabin was
thoroughly scrubbed and cleaned by the pair, after which they fitted it
up and placed therein their baggage, rifles, fishing gear, plenty of
reading matter and their private stores.
While in port, Paul remained the guest of Mr. C., the merchant, whose
home was a beautiful villa situated a little way out of town. The merry,
bright-eyed daughters of his host made sad havoc in the susceptible
heart of young Boyton. At last all the stores were aboard and
everything was ready. One bright morning the anchor was weighed, and the
sloop stood away on her cruise to the island of Vincent, which lay
about one hundred miles to the westward.
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