ass on, and with the
blessing of Almighty God we drew dear to Mr. Mathieson's Station in
safety. Here a man gave me a cocoanut for each of our party, which we
greatly required, having tasted nothing all that day, and very little
for several days before. We were so weak that only the struggle for life
enabled us to keep our feet; yet my poor Aneityumese never complained
and never halted, not even the woman. The danger and excitement kept us
up in the race for life; and by the blessing of God we were now
approaching the Mission House, praising God for His wonderful
deliverances.

Hearing of our coming, Mr. Mathieson came running to meet me. They had
heard of our leaving my own Station, and they thought I was dead! They
were themselves both very weak; their only child had just been laid in
the grave, and they were in great grief and in greater peril. We praised
the Lord for permitting us to meet; we prayed for support, guidance, and
protection; and resolved now, in all events, to stand by each other till
the last.

CHAPTER XL.
WAITING AT KWAMERA.

BEFORE I left the Harbor I wrote and left with Nowar letters to be given
to the Captains of any vessels which called, for the first, and the
next, and the next, telling them of our great danger, that Mr. Mathieson
was almost without food, and that I would reward them handsomely if they
would call at the Station and remove any of us who might be spared
thence to Aneityum. Two or three vessels called, and, as I afterwards
learned, got my letters; but, while buying my stolen property from the
Natives for tobacco, powder, and balls, they took no further notice of
my appeals, and sailed past Mr. Mathieson's, straight on to Aneityum.
"The tender mercies of the wicked are cruel!"

Let me now cull the leading events from my Journal, that intervened
betwixt this date and the break-up of the Mission on Tanna--at least for
a season--though, blessed be God! I have lived to see the light
rekindled by my dear friends Mr. and Mrs. Watt, and shining more
brightly and hopefully than ever. The candle was quenched, but the
candlestick was not removed!

On the 23d January, 1862, Mr. Mathieson sent for Taura, Kati, and
Kapuku, his three principal Chiefs, to induce them to promise protection
till a vessel called to take us away. They appeared friendly, and
promised to do their best. Alas! the promises of the Tannese Chiefs had
too often proved to be vain.

On Friday, 24th January, report