Foul old mats, and broken cocoa-nut shells, and calabashes were strewn about the floor of earth; and overhead I caught glimpses of the stars through chinks in the roof.

Here and there the thatch had fallen through, and hung down in wisps.
I now told him to set about what he was going to do, or produce whatever he had to show without delay.

Looking round fearfully, as if dreading a surprise, he commenced turning over and over the rubbish in one corner.

At last, he clutched a calabash, stained black, and with the neck broken off; on one side of it was a large hole.
Something seemed to be stuffed away in the vessel; and after a deal of poking at the aperture, a musty old pair of sailor trousers was drawn forth; and, holding them up eagerly, he inquired how many pieces of tobacco I would give for them.
Without replying, I hurried away; the old man chasing me, and shouting as I ran, until I gained the village.

Here I dodged him, and made my way home, resolved never to disclose so inglorious an adventure.
To no purpose, the next morning, my comrade besought me to enlighten him; I preserved a mysterious silence.
The occurrence served me a good turn, however, so long as we abode in Tamai; for the old clothesman never afterwards troubled me; but forever haunted the doctor, who, in vain, supplicated Heaven to be delivered from him..