ght, and the sea calm, and the canoe glided smoothly over
the water. She was of a curious construction, being in reality two
canoes connected by a very strong platform. The mast was a triangle,
which supported a mat-sail spread on a long yard. The vessel had not to
go about; but, as the stem and stern were alike, she sailed equally well
both ways. At each end there were long oars, which served as rudders;
but in calms she was impelled by paddles, and could thus also be moved
at a considerable rate. Nobody on board was idle. In calm weather
every one was employed in paddling or steering. Mr Manners took his
turn with the rest. If there was a sea,--that is to say, if it was
rough,--Ben and Tom, with the assistance of two or three others, had
enough to do to bale out the water. A constant look-out was also
necessary, to avoid any reefs or low islands in their course. Ben was
very happy. He had been so long without talking, that it was a
satisfaction to him once more to use his tongue, though still greater to
hear other people talk, especially Mr Manners and Tom, when they spoke
on subjects in which he was interested. As for his own tongue, when
once set going, he found no little difficulty in again stopping it.

The weather continued so calm, that it was impossible to say to what
extent the voyage might be prolonged: it was necessary, therefore, to
use the greatest economy in the consumption of water and their scanty
supply of provisions. A small allowance of food and water was served
out to each person three times a day; but no one grumbled, for all saw
the necessity of the arrangement.

Six days had passed by since the canoe had left Ben Hadden's island, as
Mr Manners called it, when land was sighted ahead, or rather, the trees
which grew on it, for their tops were first seen. It was an island
extending for three or four miles across the horizon. No one on board
knew anything about the island, but they hoped that they might there
obtain a fresh supply of water and provisions, and, should it be
inhabited by Christians, that they might gain some information as to
their direct course for Samoa. Accordingly they steered for an opening
which appeared in the barrier-reef. On getting through it, other rocks
were seen ahead, and Mr Manners was afraid, should he stand on, of
injuring the canoe. The sail was lowered, and they were about to paddle
off again in order to search for a safe landing-place, when a man w