jected in the
settlement. One day, however, when Captain Twopenny and several of the
other gentlemen were starting on a shooting expedition, they caught
sight of a man in the neighbouring wood, whence he had apparently been
watching the settlement. As soon as he found that he was discovered he
ran off, and disappeared before they were able to overtake him. This
circumstance gave Harry some little anxiety, though, as it was known
that the only arms the men possessed were their knives and an axe or
two, they were not likely to prove formidable enemies. The
probabilities were that the man only intended to steal into the village,
and carry off any provisions on which he could lay his hands.

Two or three days passed away; the cutter had just returned, after
taking supplies to the shipbuilders, and had been hauled up for safety
on the beach. Early in the morning the boatswain and several men went
down, intending to go off in her in search of seals. She was not to be
seen. They went up and down the shore, but not a trace of her could
they discover. It was too evident that she had been carried away by the
mutineers. This was confirmed on the following day, when the
"Crusader's" boat, which had been repaired, arrived with the information
that she had been seen passing down the sound early in the morning; but
whether those in her intended to attempt a passage to New Zealand, or
only to land on another part of the Aucklands, it was difficult to say.
As, however, they could have had but a scanty supply of provisions, and
little means of carrying water, it was most likely that they intended to
land on the northern part of the island.

Although the loss of the cutter was a very serious matter, still Harry
felt that it was satisfactory to be relieved of the presence of such
lawless characters. Captain Westerway sent word that he would either
leave his own boat or build another of sufficient size to go in search
of seals, the chief purpose for which she was required.

At length the satisfactory intelligence arrived that the "Young
Crusader" was ready for sea. It was now necessary to determine who
should go in her, as she was unable to carry more than a sixth of the
number. When Harry asked Mrs Morley what she wished to do, she
replied, "My daughters and I are determined to remain, and watch over
those who are entrusted to our care. When the schooner reaches New
Zealand, a vessel will probably be sent to our assistance;