e end of it was a hole about
seven feet deep and upwards of two feet wide. While we looked, the man
whom we had before observed with his hands pinioned, was carried into the
circle. His hands were now free, but his legs were tightly strapped
together. The post of the house was then placed in the hole, and the man
put in beside it. His head was a good way below the surface of the hole,
and his arms were clasped round the post. Earth was now thrown in until
all was covered over and stamped down; and this, we were afterwards told,
was a _ceremony_ usually performed at the dedication of a new temple, or
the erection of a chief's house!

"Come, come," cried Jack, on beholding this horrible tragedy, "we have
seen enough, enough, far more than enough! Let us go."

Jack's face looked ghastly pale and haggard as we hurried back to rejoin
the teacher, and I have no doubt that he felt terrible anxiety when he
considered the number and ferocity of the savages, and the weakness of
the few arms which were ready indeed to essay, but impotent to effect,
Avatea's deliverance from these ruthless men.

CHAPTER XXXII.

An unexpected discovery, and a bold, reckless defiance, with its
consequences--Plans of escape, and heroic resolves.

When we returned to the shore, and related to our friend what had passed,
he was greatly distressed, and groaned in spirit; but we had not sat long
in conversation, when we were interrupted by the arrival of Tararo on the
beach, accompanied by a number of followers bearing baskets of vegetables
and fruits on their heads.

We advanced to meet him, and he expressed, through our interpreter, much
pleasure in seeing us.

"And what is it that my friends wish to say to me?" he inquired.

The teacher explained that we came to beg that Avatea might be spared.

"Tell him," said Jack, "that I consider that I have a right to ask this
of him, having not only saved the girl's life, but the lives of his own
people also; and say that I wish her to be allowed to follow her own
wishes, and join the Christians."

While this was being translated, the chiefs brow lowered, and we could
see plainly that our request met with no favourable reception. He
replied with considerable energy, and at some length.

"What says he?" inquired Jack.

"I regret to say that he will not listen to the proposal. He says he has
pledged his word to his friend that the girl shall be sent to him, and a
deputy is even now on