pace, so that we soon outdistanced our pursuers,
and an hour later the Molucca Islands had disappeared beyond the
horizon.

CHAPTER XXIX

THE VOYAGE CONTINUED

We had been compelled, by reason of the treachery of Thedori, to leave
the Moluccas without having obtained a supply of fresh water. This made
it necessary to keep a sharp look-out for some island from which to
replenish our tanks. On most of the islands in the Pacific water is
readily obtainable. It is only upon the Southern Continent that great
stretches of waterless country prevail.

At length we sighted an island, the coast of which was rocky and
barren. Through stress of weather we were compelled to keep off the
shore, steering northward until, on the third day, the weather having
moderated, we hove to as near to the coast as we dared approach, and
endeavoured to land a boat's crew. In spite of breakers and a heavy
sea, six of the sailors leaped overboard opposite a sandy beach, and
with great difficulty reached the shore. Whilst searching for water the
sailors saw four natives, who fled at their approach. They were wild,
black, and entirely naked. Not finding water, the seamen regained the
boat, bruised and half-drowned. Again we set sail, and next day we were
off an island of considerable size, with two dangerous reefs stretching
out into the sea. At length we managed to effect a landing, and fresh
water being found, the ship was brought to anchor between the reefs,
where some shelter was to be had, although the position of the vessel
was by no means secure.

Upon this island we fell in with a race of savages totally unlike any
we had previously met with. These people have no houses or garments of
any kind, and, setting aside their human shape, they differ but little
from brutes. They have large heads, round foreheads, and great brows.
Their eyelids are always half-closed to keep the flies out of their
eyes, these insects being so troublesome that no fanning will keep them
away; so from their infancy being so tormented, they do never open
their eyes as other people do, nor can they see far unless they hold up
their heads as if they were looking at something over them. They have
great bottle noses, full lips, and wide mouths.

They appeared to be quite indifferent to our landing upon their island,
nor did they exhibit any fear or surprise at seeing us. We endeavoured
to make them help us carry some water barrels to the boats. But though
the