A few scientific men have landed now and again; Darwin the great naturalist among others in 1836, and Forbes in 1878.

No doubt they'll be very glad to welcome Nigel Roy in this year of grace 1883." "But I'm not a naturalist, father, more's the pity." "No matter, lad; you're an ammytoor first mate, an' pr'aps a poet may count for somethin' here.

They lead poetical lives and are fond o' poetry." "Perhaps that accounts for the fondness you say they have for you, father." "Just so, lad.

See!--there's a boat puttin' off already: the king, no doubt." He was right.

Mr.Ross, the appointed governor, and "King of the Cocos Islands," was soon on deck, heartily shaking hands with and welcoming Captain Roy as an old friend.