he words of
which sounded familiar to his ears, recollecting his early principles,
he resolved to save the visitors, whom he also knew to be his
countrymen.

All this came out but slowly, as his mind expanded under the instruction
he was receiving. He had been so long among savages and heathens that
he had imbibed many of their notions and principles; instead of
improving them, he had nearly sunk to their level. Such has unhappily
been the case with numerous European and American sailors, who have
either been wrecked or have deserted their ships, and have lived long
among the once savage inhabitants of the islands of the Pacific. Many
of them have proved, by their evil influence and example, sad hindrances
to the efforts of the missionaries in spreading among the natives the
truths of the gospel.

For several days the canoe glided slowly on. Though strongly built, her
form was not equal to those constructed by the Tonga islanders, noted
for their speed among the surrounding groups of islands.

Mr Manners had begun to grow very anxious with regard to their
provisions and water. Before he could hope to reach their final
destination, it would be absolutely necessary to touch at some island
where they might replenish their stock, both of one and the other. The
weather, too, had shown signs of changing; and the sea, hitherto so
calm, began to tumble and toss the canoe about in a way which strained
her greatly, and made it necessary for a number of those on board to be
continually baling. As the sea increased more and more, it was
necessary to do this night and day without ceasing. All on board were
accordingly looking out anxiously for some island where they might find
shelter till the stormy weather was over.

For two days the wind had been increasing, and when night came on it was
already blowing a heavy gale. The sail was lowered, and the canoe drove
before it, kept by the rudder and paddles from broaching to. The night
became very dark; on drove the canoe; breakers were heard not far off,
and most of those on board believed that their last hour was come.

Presently the canoe was among the breakers, and the sea swept over her
deck. Her crew with difficulty held on. In another moment she struck,
and it seemed certain that she would be dashed to atoms. Still she
floated, and the water became less broken. She drove on; her bow struck
violently on a sandy beach, and tall trees rose before the eyes of those