n, male and female, seized, handcuffed, and carried on
board. It is now deserted. The people, as well as myself, knew that
if my husband had returned that he would have sailed his ship right
down here to this end of the lagoon where he had anchored previously,
instead of lying under the south-east islet. Most of them, therefore,
at once took to the bush to hide themselves, and begged me to come with
them. But I was determined to come and meet the boat, for I had a hope
that I might possibly hear some news of the _Mahina_, and I feared that
perhaps the boat would only remain a short time, and return to the ship
before I could get to her. I did not even stay to put on my one pair
of boots, but set off at a run; these two young women coming with me,
poor creatures, although they were dreadfully frightened. When within
half a mile of where you landed I stepped upon a hidden _foli_, and
gave myself this terrible cut."

Barry took her hand between both his and pressed it sympathetically.
"Poor lady. You have indeed suffered. Now listen to me, and I will
tell you what I propose doing to outwit these infernal ruffians and
restore to you your husband's ship. The heartless scoundrels, pirates,
and murderers! They shall themselves work for your good. Joe, and
you, Velo, come closer. These men, Mrs. Tracey, will stand to us, and
so I think will every other man on board."

"Indeed we will, sir," said Joe.

"Now this is my plan," said Barry.

* * * * * *

It did not take him long to explain it, and then one by one each man of
his boat's crew took his hand and that of Mrs. Tracey, and swore to be
true to them both.

CHAPTER IX.

"ALLA GOODA COMRADE."

Just before breakfast on the following morning, and when a thick tropic
mist lay low and heavy upon the waters of the lagoon, Barradas, who was
walking the poop, heard the sound of oars, and called the captain.

Rawlings came up from below just as the boat came alongside, and Barry
jumped on deck.

"Well, Mr. Barry?" he said pleasantly. "You are back sooner than I
expected. What news?"

"Bad, sir, yet not so bad as it might have been. We were attacked by
the natives, who seem to be well armed, for they kept up a constant
fire on the boat till we were out of range. She was struck in a dozen
places, but fortunately none of us were hit."

"Curse them!" said Rawlings, with a savage oath; "are they going to
stop us from divi