, but
Mary came on deck to receive him, and to thank him for his kindness to
me, but she said nothing about her sister.

"And I am also most grateful to you for saving my life," said Charles
Tilston. "Had it not been for you I am fully convinced that I should
have been drowned, and I beg you to accept a few articles--all I have to
offer--as a remembrance of me." On this he put into his hand a handsome
clasp knife, adding some gold pieces, with which the chief seemed highly
pleased. I saw him continually looking towards the companion-hatch, as
if he expected Fanny to appear, but he waited in vain. At last, Harry
had to remind him that we were on the point of getting under weigh, and
that it would be better for him to take his leave before we hove up the
anchor. He was evidently trying to say something, but his tongue seemed
to cling to the roof of his mouth; and heaving a sigh he stepped into
his canoe and cast off. The anchor was immediately run up to the bows,
and the sails filling, as there was a leading breeze, we ran swiftly out
of the harbour. I saw the young chief standing up in his canoe, and
waving to us his last farewells. Not till we were well outside did
Fanny venture on deck.

"Take care," said Mary laughing; "he may still come after us."

However, he did not move his paddle, and we were soon out at sea,
steering with a fair breeze to the eastward.

CHAPTER FIVE.

We had now a continuance of fine weather, and day after day sailed over
the calm ocean, the surface just rippled by a gentle breeze, generally
so much in our favour that we were able to rig out our big square sail,
and to carry a topmast studding-sail. Though it was near the line the
heat was not very oppressive, unless when the wind fell altogether, and
then it was hot. Though I speak of the ocean being calm, there was
always a perceptible swell, more perceptible when we were on the
weather-side of a coral reef, against which the swell, finding an
impediment to its progress, could be seen dashing with tremendous force,
rising high in the air in masses of foam. We had before received a
warning to keep at a respectful distance from such reefs whenever we
could; but sometimes, unable to help ourselves, we were compelled to
pass unpleasantly near. Night and day we kept a vigilant look-out.
Sometimes, indeed, at night Harry thought it prudent to heave to, rather
than attempt running on when the chart showed us that coral banks
abo