cene that met our eyes here was one that I shall never forget. On a
rude bench in front of his house sat the chief. A native stood on his
left hand, who, from his dress, seemed to be a teacher. On his right
stood an English gentleman, who, I at once and rightly concluded, was a
missionary. He was tall, thin, and apparently past forty, with a bald
forehead, and thin gray hair. The expression of his countenance was the
most winning I ever saw, and his clear gray eye beamed with a look that
was frank, fearless, loving, and truthful. In front of the chief was an
open space, in the centre of which lay a pile of wooden idols, ready to
be set on fire; and around these were assembled thousands of natives, who
had come to join in or to witness the unusual sight. A bright smile
overspread the missionary's face as he advanced quickly to meet us, and
he shook us warmly by the hands.

"I am overjoyed to meet you, my dear young friends," he said. "My
friend, and your friend, the teacher, has told me your history; and I
thank our Father in heaven, with all my heart, that he has guided me to
this island, and made me the instrument of saving you."

We thanked the missionary most heartily, and asked him in some surprise
how he had succeeded in turning the heart of Tararo in our favour.

"I will tell you that at a more convenient time," he answered, "meanwhile
we must not forget the respect due to the chief. He waits to receive
you."

In the conversation that immediately followed between us and Tararo, the
latter said that the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ had been sent to
the island, and that to it we were indebted for our freedom. Moreover,
he told us that we were at liberty to depart in our schooner whenever we
pleased, and that we should be supplied with as much provision as we
required. He concluded by shaking hands with us warmly, and performing
the ceremony of rubbing noses.

This was indeed good news to us, and we could hardly find words to
express our gratitude to the chief and to the missionary.

"And what of Avatea?" inquired Jack.

The missionary replied by pointing to a group of natives in the midst of
whom the girl stood. Beside her was a tall, strapping fellow, whose
noble mien and air of superiority bespoke him a chief of no ordinary
kind.

"That youth is her lover. He came this very morning in his war-canoe to
treat with Tararo for Avatea. He is to be married in a few days, and
afterwards retu