the mounds, others perched on rocks that projected out into the
sea. On the highest of these mounds stood a church, and in the bay
floated a large Norwegian vessel and numerous small boats.

The promontory round which the _Snowflake_ had just passed completely
sheltered this bay, so that the water was like a sheet of glass, in
which everything--boats, rocks, mounds, cottages, and church--was
clearly reflected.

The church-bell was ringing. It was a small bell, and its sweet sound
came floating softly over the sea to the ears of our voyagers like an
old familiar hymn. The interest of this scene was further enhanced by
the assembling of the people to church. Boats were seen pushing off
from every island, issuing from every creek, rowing over the calm water,
and all converging towards the little bay with the yellow strand. Each
boat was crowded with men, women, and children; and as the men wore red
caps, and the women white kerchiefs on their heads, their appearance was
quite brilliant. In other respects, their clothes being all homespun
and of one dark colour, their aspect was sombre enough. So numerous
were the boats, and so suddenly did they make their appearance, that it
seemed as if the land were being invaded by a foreign host.

All this was taken in at a glance by the yacht party as they doubled the
promontory, and glided slowly into the bay.

"This is our anchorage," said the Captain.

"Very well, let go the anchor, and we will finish the service after it
is down," said Temple, rising and taking up the telescope to examine the
groups of people on shore.

As each boat discharged its load on the little stone pier, the males and
females separated into two distinct bands and walked slowly and sedately
towards the church, at the door of which the whole congregation
assembled, still keeping in two separate bands, to await the arrival of
the clergyman.

In a few minutes the rattle of the chain announced that the anchor was
down. The sails were dewed up, and service was continued.

"Now," said Fred, when he had concluded, "lower the boat, Captain--I
will go to church. Will any one of you join me?"

"What's the use of my going?" said Sam Sorrel; "I won't understand a
word."

"You're not sure of that," said Grant. "Besides it is so long since
we've been to church, that I feel as if I should enjoy it whether I
understand it or not."

"If it don't do you no good, sir, it can't do you no harm," urged Bob