heart among them must have entertained some such sensations as were
impressed on the spirits of Columbus and his companions, when they drew
near to the shores of Guanahani.

In the mean time, Juno came confidingly on, shaping her course rather
more to windward than usual even, on account of the lightness of the
breeze. This effectually prevented her seeing or being seen from the
canoes; the parties diagonally drawing nearer, in utter ignorance of
each other's existence. As for Unus, he manoeuvred quite skilfully.
After getting a couple of miles off the land, he swam directly to
windward; and it was well he did, the course of the boat barely
permitting his getting well on her weather-bow, when it was time to
think of boarding.

Unus displayed great judgment in this critical part of the affair. So
accurately did he measure distances, that he got alongside of the Dido,
with his hand on her weather gunwale, without Juno's having the least
idea that he was anywhere near her. At one effort he was in the boat;
and while the girl was still uttering her scream of alarm, he stood
holding out the note, pronouncing the word "Missus" as well as he could.
The girl had acquired too much knowledge of the habits of the South Sea
islanders, while passing through and sojourning in the different groups
she had visited, to be overwhelmed with the occurrence. What is more,
she recognised the young Indian at a glance; some passages of gallantry
having actually taken place between them during the two months Heaton
and his party remained among Ooroony's people. To be frank with the
reader, the first impression of Juno was, that the note thus tendered to
her was a love-letter, though its contents instantly undeceived her. The
exclamation and changed manner of the girl told Unus that all was right;
and he went quietly to work to take in the sail, as the most effectual
method of concealing the presence of the boat from the thousand hostile
and searching eyes in the canoes. The moment Mark saw the canvas come
in, he cried out 'all is well,' and descended swiftly from the Peak, to
hasten to a point where he could give the necessary attentions to the
movements of Waally and his fleet.

Chapter XVII.

"Ho! strike the flag-staff deep, Sir Knight,--
Ho! scatter flowers, fair maids,--
Ho! gunners fire a loud salute--
Ho! gallants, draw your blades;--"

Macaulay.

So much time had passed in the execution of t