" This bucket was a huge
iron affair, holding about five bushels. It was sent to the bottom.
Tom soon filled it with living and dead specimens of brilliant and
beautiful shells. Then it was hoisted and the contents transferred
aboard. In the clear waters on the coral reef, Paul, by hanging over the
stern, could distinctly see Tom on the bottom moving around in his
ponderous dress. He longed for the day when he could go down and behold
the strange sights below in the green, transparent water. At last, the
yawl was loaded. Tom came up and the helmet of his suit was removed and
he enjoyed the pure, salt air once more. The boat was headed for
shore and the treasures landed. All living shells were quickly
transferred to the boilers full of hot water. They were left to
simmer over the fire for a couple of hours, after which they were dumped
on the sands. The thoroughly cooked inhabitants were easily removed
and the shells sweet and clean and glowing with all the beautiful tints
of the rose and lily, were placed in piles under the shade of the
awning.
While the crew was engaged in this latter occupation, Scott, and Paul,
armed with rifle and shotgun, would saunter through the heavily perfumed
tropical forests in search of any game they could find.
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