As Peterkin remarked, in the midst of a yawn, we took
breakfast at tea-time, and then went to bed again, where we lay to the
following forenoon.
After this we arose very greatly refreshed, but much alarmed lest we
had lost count of a day. I say we were much alarmed on this head, for
we had carefully kept count of the days since we were cast upon our
island, in order that we might remember the Sabbath-day, which day we
had hitherto with one accord kept as a day of rest, and refrained from
all work whatsoever. However, on considering the subject, we all three
entertained the same opinion as to how long we had slept, and so our
minds were put at ease.
We now hastened to our Water Garden to enjoy a bathe, and to see how
did the animals which I had placed in the tank. We found the garden
more charming, pellucid, and inviting than ever, and Jack and I plunged
into its depth and gambolled among its radiant coral groves, while
Peterkin wallowed at the surface, and tried occasionally to kick us as
we passed below. Having dressed, I then hastened to the tank; but what
was my surprise and grief to find nearly all the animals dead, and the
water in a putrid condition! I was greatly distressed at this, and
wondered what could be the cause of it.
"Why, you precious humbug," said Peterkin, coming up to me, "how could
you expect it to be otherwise? When fishes are accustomed to live in
the Pacific Ocean, how can you expect them to exist in a hole like
that?"
"Indeed, Peterkin," I replied, "there seems to be truth in what you
say.
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