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“There is a small schooner lying in a cove about two leagues distant,” Captain Spikerman replied. “She can be bought, I know, for one thousand rix-dollars.”

“Pretty dear, isn’t it?” said Bligh.

“She’s well worth it, I assure you. She is thirty-four feet long, perfectly sound, and would serve your purpose admirably. Should you care to look at her, I can have her here for your inspection within a day or two.”

“Excellent,” said Bligh. “I’ll be greatly obliged to you.”

The dinner was at an end, and presently our guests left us. Nelson was in a jubilant mood. He had asked permission to botanize the island in the environs of Coupang, and Mr. Wanjon not only agreed but had offered to provide servants to accompany him on his expeditions. Nelson was in no fit state to go abroad, and I demurred strongly against the plan. However, he had won Captain Bligh’s consent and would listen to none of my objections. As a matter of fact, I would gladly have gone with him, had it not been that my ulcered leg made walking out of the question.