ople they may be so terrified that they will turn back at once; but if
they once come on and attack us, we know not where the slaughter may
end, even should we prove victorious."

It was agreed, therefore, that as soon as the savages got near enough to
distinguish us, we were to jump up, and taking steady aim, to pick off
those who appeared to be chiefs in the headmost boats. We explained our
plan to our chief, and he much approved of it.

The wind freshening we made good way, but still the flotilla of canoes
was fast overtaking us. The voices of the savages, as they shouted and
shrieked at us, were wafted across the water; but they had not the
effect of intimidating our friends. "Ah, my boys, you'll shout to a
different tune, I suspect, before long," exclaimed Ben, as he eyed them
angrily. At length, in spite of all the efforts of our friends, the
savages got close up to us; and two men in the leading canoe, lifting
their bows, were about to draw their arrows, when Cousin Silas
exclaimed, "Now is the time, my lads; give it them." We all fired. The
two savages dropped instantly, and one man in each of the next canoes
went head foremost overboard. The people in the following canoes
hesitated for a minute what to do. The delay gave us time to reload.
Again we fired, while our people jumping up sent a flight of arrows
among our enemies. Shrieks, and cries, and groans, arose from the
canoes, which all crowded thickly together like a flock of sheep, their
people astonished and terrified at what had occurred. Then they turned
round, and all paddled back in evident confusion. We shouted, and gave
them a parting volley; but this time it was over their heads to hasten
their movements. We were preserved,--not one of us had received the
slightest injury. Away we glided, as fast as the wind and our paddles
would carry us from the inhospitable island.

CHAPTER NINETEEN.

VOYAGE IN A WHALER--FURTHER ADVENTURES.

Wearily our voyage had continued for many weeks, yet we felt that having
been preserved from so many dangers, it would be sinful to complain. No
one was actually sick, not a life had been lost, and by great economy
our provisions and water had hitherto been sufficient for our
necessities. A flight of birds had passed over our heads, directing
their course to the north-east. We saw our chief watching them, and he
at once ordered the canoe to be steered in the same direction. All day
we stood on. Just