The place was as clean as a
kitchen. "I made the furniture," said Stedman, "and the
Bradleys keep the place in order."
"Who are the Bradleys?" asked Albert.
"The Bradleys are those two men you saw with me," said
Stedman; "they deserted from a British man-of-war that stopped
here for coal, and they act as my servants. One is Bradley,
Sr., and the other Bradley, Jr."
"Then vessels do stop here occasionally?" the consul said,
with a pleased smile.
"Well, not often," said Stedman. "Not so very often; about
once a year. The Nelson thought this was Octavia, and put off
again as soon as she found out her mistake, but the Bradleys
took to the bush, and the boat's crew couldn't find them.
When they saw your flag, they thought you might mean to send
them back, so they ran off to hide again; they'll be back,
though, when they get hungry."
The supper young Stedman spread for his guests, as he still
treated them, was very refreshing and very good. There was
cold fish and pigeon-pie, and a hot omelet filled with
mushrooms and olives and tomatoes and onions all sliced up
together, and strong black coffee.
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