uts near
their big canoe, and also three small canoes for fishing. Whatever fish
they caught which they did not wish to consume, they carefully cut in
two and dried in the sun. They also discovered a plantation of gourds,
some of which they dried to serve as jars for holding water. We also
went on with our preparations for a voyage. When they discovered what
we were about, they seemed much satisfied, and intimated that they hoped
we would accompany them. We, in reply, assured them that we would be
very glad to do so. They then took us to the big canoe, and showed us
how carefully they were at work repairing her. Whenever any of the
lacing which kept her together was in any way worn or chafed, they put
in fresh with the greatest neatness, covering all the seams up with a
sort of gum which they collected in the woods. In this we could not
help them, but we assisted in curing a large supply of fish and birds,
and in collecting roots, and filling the cocoa-nuts and gourds with
water. When they saw that we had still a number of turtle alive, they
seemed highly pleased, and signified that they would prove a very
valuable and wholesome provision for the voyage.

Everything was at last ready. The canoe was brought round into the
lagoon to load. We all assembled. One of the native missionaries
offered up in his own tongue some earnest prayers for our safety, and
thanksgiving for mercies bestowed. Mr Brand followed his example in
English. Then all went on board--the women and children first; the
missionaries went next, followed by the chief and the sailors; and we
five Englishmen, with Surley, brought up the rear. Another hymn was
sung, the canoe was cast loose, the seamen seized their paddles, and
slowly, to the music of a hymn sung by all the natives, we paddled out
of the lagoon. The sea was smooth, though there was a fresh breeze; the
sail was hoisted, and away we glided at a rapid rate to the eastward.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN.

A VOYAGE IN A SOUTH SEA CANOE.

Once more we were on the boundless ocean, out of sight of land, the
stars only as our guides, and the sagacity of the Polynesian chief and
his followers to depend on. What made us feel most strange was our
utter ignorance where we were going. From the quantity of provisions
and water the natives had thought it necessary to provide, it was
evident that we had a long voyage before us--perhaps many weeks might be
occupied in performing it. We could sca