The last pink of the sunset turns the sea between
the islands into ribbons of exquisite colour. Cliffs and
precipices rise up about us, and in their shelter we
anchor for the night.
I spend an hour on the Bertha, listening to the
pleasant German talk of the pearler’s wife.
“ Ach,” she says, speaking of the islands, “ when I
O MIMOSA SAN
camen heere, I did think 1 could never wonder enough.
Nicht Mark ? Oh, but they are so beautifully.”
While we talk the pearler cleans and searches
his shells by the lantern-light; in all he does, a man
of character. It was he who wrecked the Amboyna, for
he has a master’s certificate; but he sits here undaunted
in spirit. And he holds on while the Englishmen go,
one by one, because he knows how to make an income
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THE DIVER COMES UP
