n our
regard and esteem.

They were now anxious to return to their own island, the season of the
year being favourable for the voyage. It was with much regret that we
heard of their intended departure. With a large concourse of natives
and several English missionaries, we accompanied them down to the beach
to see them off. Prayers were offered up by all present for their
safety during their voyage. It was an impressive and affecting scene.
Many wept as the fine old chief and his friends stepped on board. He
could scarcely refrain from tears, nor could we. The frail canoe was
launched forth into the deep, the sail was hoisted, and away they went
on a voyage of three hundred miles, with full faith that the God who had
hitherto preserved them would watch over them still.

We did not at the moment believe that our departure was so near. The
next day the _Matchless_, a Liverpool whaler, arrived in the harbour of
Papieti. We met her master, Captain Brown, who told us that he was
bound for the coast of Japan, and that he should touch at the Bonin
Islands, and probably fish off there some time. At this latter place we
knew that Captain Frankland fully intended to call. How much his plans
might be changed by our supposed loss we could not tell, but at all
events we could not hope for a better opportunity of falling in again
with the _Triton_. Captain Brown had lost several of his people,--some
by sickness, others in a gale, and others by desertion. Hearing this,
Mr Brand offered his own and our services as far as the Bonin Islands,
or for a longer period, should we gain no account of our own ship. They
were without hesitation accepted. The _Matchless_ remained but a few
days, having called in merely to obtain water and a supply of fresh
provisions. Our kind English friend, not content with having supported
us all the time we remained at Tahiti, insisted on supplying us with as
good an outfit as he could procure in the country. When we expressed
our gratitude and unwillingness to be so great a burden on him, he
smiled. "What is the use of property, unless to do good with it?" he
remarked. "Do not say a word about the matter. When you reach home,
should the obligation weigh too heavily on your conscience, you can send
me back the value; but I then shall be the loser, as it will show me
that you will not believe in the friendship which induces me to bestow
these trifles as a gift." After this very kind speech w