purpose of the sail, and
could be more easily handled, and would therefore be less dangerous,
than a mat sail.

We found that Oria had taken the invitation as it was intended, and had
come to remain with Ellen.

"I am so glad," said our sister, when she discovered this. "I shall now
be able to teach her English; and, I am sure, we shall be great
friends."

"But would you not also be able to teach her about the God of the
English?" said Arthur, in a low voice. "That is of more consequence.
She now knows nothing of the God of mercy, love, and truth. From what I
can learn, these poor savages are fearfully ignorant."

"Oh yes," said Ellen, looking up. "I shall indeed be glad to do that.
I am so thankful to you, Arthur, for reminding me."

"We should remember that that Saviour who died for us died for them
also," said Arthur; "and it is our duty to make known that glorious
truth to them."

"It will be a hard task though, I fear," remarked Ellen, "as Oria does
not yet know a word of English; and though we may make signs to show her
what we want her to do, I do not see how we can speak of religion until
she understands our language."

"The more necessity then for teaching her without delay," observed
Arthur. "She seems very intelligent; and if we lose no opportunity of
instructing her, I hope she may soon acquire sufficient knowledge to
receive the more simple truths, which, after all, are the most
important."

"Then I will begin at once," said Ellen. "She has already been trying
to repeat words after me; and I hope before the end of the day to have
taught her some more."

Ellen was in earnest. Our dear little sister, though very quiet and
gentle, had a determined, energetic spirit. It was very interesting to
see her labouring patiently to teach the young Indian girl. Duppo had
already learned a good many words, and seemed to understand many things
we said to him. We scarcely ever had to repeat the name of a thing more
than two or three times for him to remember it; and he would run with
alacrity to fetch whatever we asked for.

We had much more trouble in teaching manners to our dumb companions; for
in spite of Master Nimble's general docility, he was constantly playing
some trick, or getting into scrapes of all sorts. One day he was seen
by Duppo trying to pull the feathers out of Niger's head; and on another
occasion he was discovered in an attempt to pluck poor Poll, in spite of
her determined eff