If a man had pity to spend, Papeete beach, in that cold night and in that infected season, was a place to spend it on.

And of all the sufferers, perhaps the least deserving, but surely the most pitiable, was the London clerk.

He was used to another life, to houses, beds, nursing, and the dainties of the sickroom; he lay there now, in the cold open, exposed to the gusting of the wind, and with an empty belly.

He was besides infirm; the disease shook him to the vitals; and his companions watched his endurance with surprise.

A profound commiseration filled them, and contended with and conquered their abhorrence.