N AN ATTACK.--TOFA TAKES CHARGE OF HIS COMPANION.--WE FLY TO THE
MOUNTAINS, AND WITNESS THE BURNING OF OUR VILLAGE. WE LIE CONCEALED IN
A CAVE, WHILE THE SAVAGES SEARCH FOR US.

The hurricane had caused sad damage to the cocoanut groves and
plantations in our little settlement, and we had no doubt that it, in
addition to the eruption of the volcano, had produced still more
destructive effects throughout the island, but I own that my thoughts
were far more occupied with my anxiety about my father. In vain we
watched for the return of his canoe. No sail appeared in the blue ocean
in the direction of the island to which he had gone. Lisele too was
overwhelmed with grief at the non-appearance of her father; her only
hope was that he had conquered his enemies and remained in possession of
their country. Still he would, she thought, before this, have
despatched a canoe to announce his victory.

Two days passed away, and we began to look for the return of young Tofa;
but on the third day, when he did not come, fears for his safety were
added to our other troubles. The chief, indeed, the only refuge from
our sorrows, was prayer; how great was the comfort that brought to our
hearts none but those who have experienced it can tell.

We continued to attend to our usual duties. Though the younger girls
and boys assembled for school, the older people were too much agitated
and alarmed to attend to their studies; they were also chiefly employed
during the day in repairing the damages caused by the storm.

In the evening, however, they all assembled in the chapel for public
prayer. Nanari was addressing them, when the noise of feet was heard
without, and directly afterwards Tofa appeared, followed by a young
white man. The latter took off his hat when he saw how we were engaged,
and stood reverentially at the door for a moment, as if unwilling to
interrupt us, though evidently in a state of great agitation.

Tofa, however, influenced by no such feelings, exclaimed loudly, "Fly!
fly! and hide yourselves. Your enemies are approaching, and will be
here anon. Mafoa tried to prevent them, but he could not prevail."

"My friends!" exclaimed Nanari, "the warning has been sent that you all
may seek for safety. For myself, I will remain with the aged and
wounded people, who cannot fly; but you, my daughters," turning to Maud
and me, "who have been committed to my charge, I must see that you are
placed in a secure hiding-place,