to the frigate, Ben found that the captain of
one of the whalers, the Grand Turk, was on board. Captain Judson--that
was his name--was well-known to Mr Martin, who had once sailed with
him. He was waiting to see Captain Bertram, to prefer some request or
other. He was evidently a rough style of man, and was complaining much
of the way he had been treated the day before, which was Sunday.

"Two boats were sent on shore, but none of the people were to be seen,"
said Captain Judson. "There were a number of neat, whitewashed houses
in rows, some way from the beach, and near them three larger buildings.
One had a tower. After waiting for some time, people came streaming out
of the door of the building with the tower, all neatly dressed in
cottons or native cloths.

"`Why, they look just as if they were coming out of church,' said one of
my men, who had never been out in these parts before, and thought all
the people were savages and cannibals. After some time, a white
gentleman appeared in a black dress. `And there comes the parson, I do
declare!' he added.

"The first mate, who had charge of the party, on this went up to the
gentleman, and told him what we had come for.

"`I am very glad to hear it,' said the gentleman. `I have no doubt that
to-morrow morning the people will bring you all you require.'

"`To-morrow won't do--we want the things to-day; we must be off again
this evening,' said the mate, in an angry tone, for of course he was
vexed.

"`I will tell the people what you say; but they have been taught to
remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy, and I do not think that they
will supply you, unless you are starving, or have scurvy for want of
vegetables, and then I am certain that they will give you all you
require,' answered the missionary, who then spoke to several of the
people; and a young native came forward, and in very good English told
the mate that he was the interpreter, and would be glad to attend him.
The mate thought that he could manage him, and was very much surprised
to find that no trading could be allowed that day.

"`But our people may go on shore and amuse themselves?' said the mate.

"`No,' answered the young native. `Too often the crews of whalers have
come on shore, and have set a bad example to our people, who think a
great deal about white men. We allow no strangers to wander about our
island on the Sabbath.'

"`Then your people will come off to us, as they do at other