—and was anxious to learn more of its history, government, and institutions. So I walked into the library, which was placed on the middle deck, and began to examine a large map, or chart, of the Nocalattan Sea that hung from the walls.
Yeyema now happened to step in, and we entered into conversation. He made inquiries about the extent of my travels in the vicinity of Scalascala, and continued,—
"Being a seafaring man, you doubtless take an interest in maritime charts and drawings."
I replied in the affirmative.
He went on, "We have a large collection in the maritime division of the Tehana library, which you will be able to examine."
"The coast-line of this sea is terribly indented," I said. "The bays and small coves appear to be innumerable, and a piece of straight beach of any important length is nowhere to be seen. Rocks also seem plentiful in many parts."
"Yes," he said. "The configuration is extremely irregular. Still, this is an advantage to the people, for, apart from the diversity of scenery, it affords more room for settlements along its shores,—a circumstance that was once largely availed of; for here, in the earlier history of the
