, slide down the rope, get the gig up alongside--"

"When it's swinging from the davits, Jem?"

"There you go again," grumbled Jem. "I never did see such a fellow for
chucking stumbling-blocks all over the place for a man to hit his shins
against."

"Then propose something possible. And besides, you don't suppose I'm
going away without you."

"But I can't get my irons off, and you can get yours."

"I don't know that," said Don, trying; and, to his great surprise,
finding that he could drag the ring over his ankle without much
difficulty.

"There, I told you so. Slip it on again 'fore the sentry sees."

The marine was not likely to see, for the place was very dark where they
sat, and for a long time they discussed the matter in a whisper, but
only to be obliged to come to the conclusion that it was impossible to
escape, unless Don would go alone.

"Well, if you won't go alone, you won't, Mas' Don," said Jem, in an
ill-used tone; "but I do say as it's shabby of you, after I've thought
about it so much."

The second night of their imprisonment passed slowly, and they were
cudgelling their brains next day, when they were summoned on deck,
received a severe reprimand, and, after their irons had been taken off,
were told to go to their duty.

Then a week passed of land surveying and chart making, during which time
the intercourse with the natives had been kept on a very friendly
footing; and then a rumour ran round the ship that they were to sail
after a certain channel had been sounded and the chart made.

"It's all over, Mas' Don," said Jem gloomily. "We shall go sailing away
all over the world, and be took by the French, and never see home
again!"

Don made no reply, but went about his duty gloomily enough till toward
afternoon, when a canoe came off from the shore, manned by about fifty
of the New Zealanders, and with Tomati and Ngati in the stern.

These two were soon on board, and were entertained by the captain, who
made them several useful presents.

How he managed it Don hardly knew himself, but he contrived to get close
behind the tattooed Englishman, and said softly, just as the officers
were laughing and watching Ngati, who was going through his war-dance
for their delectation, and distorting his features to the greatest
extent,--

"Could you come after dark to-night in your canoe, and take us ashore?"

"Hist! Mind what you're saying," replied the man, clapping his legs
loudly, as if to e