to be
wondered at; for, besides esteeming us from the beginning a couple of civil,
good-natured fellows, who would soon become quite at home with them, they were
not slow in perceiving that we were far different from the common run of rovers;
and that our society was both entertaining and instructive to a couple of
solitary, illiterate men, like themselves.
    In a literary point of view, indeed, they soon regarded us with emotions of
envy and wonder; and the doctor was considered nothing short of a prodigy. The
Cockney found that he (the doctor) could read a book upside down, without even
so much as spelling the big words beforehand; and the Yankee, in the twinkling
of an eye, received from him the sum total of several arithmetical items, stated
aloud, with the view of testing the extent of his mathematical lore.
    Then, frequently, in discoursing upon men and things, my long comrade
employed such imposing phrases, that, upon one occasion, they actually remained
uncovered while he talked.
    In short, their favourable opinion of Long Ghost in particular, rose higher
and higher every day; and they began to indulge in all manner of dreams
concerning the advantages to be derived from employing so learned a labourer.
Among other projects revealed was that of building a small craft of some forty
tons for the purpose of trading among the neighbouring islands. With a native
crew, we would then take turns cruising over the tranquil Pacific; touching here
and there, as caprice suggested, and collecting romantic articles of commerce; -
bêche-de-mer, the pearl-oyster, arrow-root, ambergris, sandal-wood, cocoa-nut
oil, and edible birds' nests.
    This South Sea yachting was delightful to think of; and straightway the
doctor announced his willingness to navigate the future schooner clear of all
shoals and reefs whatsoever. His impudence was audacious. He enlarged upon the
science of navigation; treated us to a dissertation on Mercator's Sailing and
the Azimuth compass; and went into an inexplicable explanation of the Lord only
knows what plan of his for infallibly settling the longitude.
    Whenever my comrade thus gave the reins to his fine fancy, it was a treat to
listen, and therefore I never interfered; but, with the planters, sat in mute
admiration before him. This apparent self-abasement on my part must have been
considered as truly indicative of our respective merits; for, to my no small
concern, I quickly perceived that, in the estimate formed of us, Long Ghost
began to be rated far above myself. For