raised the spirits of all the party, for
we felt that we had a friend where we least expected to find one. If,
however, we could but get back Jerry, we resolved to embark. Perhaps
the Christian chief might help us. Had we been able to speak the
language, our difficulties would have been much lessened. Here, again,
we had another example of the beneficial results of missionary labours.
How the chief had been brought to a knowledge of the truth we could not
tell, but that his savage nature had been changed was evident. Perhaps
there might be others like him on the island. How it was that we had
remained so long unmolested was another puzzle. Perhaps it was owing to
some superstitious custom of the natives, Mr Brand observed. Perhaps
we were tabooed; or, as we had, as they might suppose, existed so long
without food, they might look upon us as beings of a superior order, and
be afraid to injure us. Our patience, meantime, was sorely tried. We
were afraid also that the natives might discover our canoe, and carry it
off.

As may be supposed, our eyes took many an anxious glance seaward, in
hopes of being greeted by the sight of a vessel. Nor were they
disappointed. A large ship was discovered one forenoon standing in for
the land. How the sight made our hearts beat! The time had arrived for
us to endeavour to make our escape--but could we go and leave Jerry?

"Yes; we may induce the captain to come and look for him," said Cousin
Silas.

"But suppose he will not," observed the doctor.

"Then I, for one, will come back in the canoe, and not rest till I find
him," exclaimed Ben Yool. "They can only kill and eat me at the worst,
and they'll find I'm a precious tough morsel."

"I'll keep you company, Ben," said I, taking his hand.

So it was agreed that we were to embark at once. Taking our rifles and
muskets, the paddles in our hands, and some provisions in our pockets,
we hurried down to the beach. We had got the canoe in the water, when a
shout attracted our attention. Old Surley gave a bark of delight, and
ran off. "That is Jerry's voice," I exclaimed, hurrying to meet him.
At a distance were several men and boys in hot pursuit. Jerry was
somewhat out of breath, so I took his hand and helped him along, without
asking questions. He, Surley, and I, leaped into the canoe together;
Mr Brand, Ben, and the doctor seized the paddles, and shoving her off
into deep water, away we steered towards the passage