CORAL ISLANDS AND CORAL. 297

A good word was said for Ralph’s effort, “for,” said Uncle Nat, “ it
is in a nutshell, and you can pick out the meat quick. I think, myself,
that New Zealand has a fine future before it, as you say Jack Bobstay
believes.” |

“Yes, uncle, Jack Bobstay has been round a good deal, and has a
pretty good knowledge of things.”

The boys were always ready to say a good word for the honored
Bobstay. |

“Tf he had only had a chance, uncle,” said Rick, “he might have
made something handsome.”

“ Well, that is true ; but if boys would only improve the chances they
do have, the world would fare better.”

Jack always had a yarn ready for the boys. He told them that very
day about “touching up” the British Lion when in an English port.

“Tt fell to me, boys, to paint round the bows of the ship, the figure-
head, and so on. I tell you, youngsters, being a Yankee tar, I painted
that lion faithfully, and I couldn’t help putting a streak into that lion’s
eye to represent a scratch from the American eagle. I don’t know as
it was just the thing, but then a man must be true to his country.”