ast away," he observed, "and have
hoisted the flag as a signal to any passers-by."

Mr Hooker was still too weak to go ashore without inconvenience. Mr
Thudicumb therefore ordered Dick Tarbox, myself, Roger Trew, and three
others, to go in the boat, well armed with muskets and pistols, and to
ascertain the state of the case.

"Now, take care," said Mr Thudicumb, "that you are not led into an
ambush. Some of these islands are the dens of pirates, or savages, who
are no better, and still more treacherous. Keep a bright look-out on
either side as you advance, and see that you are able to get back to the
boat without any difficulty. If there is an European there, he is sure
to come down when he sees the boat pull in; so if you find no one at
first, you must be doubly careful not to be caught in a trap."

Emily and Grace stood at the gangway as we pulled off.

"Oh, do take care, Walter, that those horrid savages do not get hold of
you again!" exclaimed Emily.

"Pray, do! pray, do!" added Grace.

"Yes, Mynheer Walter, take care dat de savages don't eat you up; you now
grow so fat and big, you fine large morsel," exclaimed Frau Ursula, who
had no fear whatever of savages or pirates, being in most instances a
very dauntless and fearless person.

I was glad she said this, as it assisted to quell the anxiety of Emily
and Grace. The brig lay about a quarter of a mile from the beach, Mr
Thudicumb being afraid to stand in nearer because of the reefs, of which
there appeared to be several under water, their dark heads projecting
here and there from the shore. I waved my cap and held up my musket as
we pulled in, to show them that we were in good spirits, and prepared to
make a bold fight, if it was necessary; though I must say I had no
expectations of meeting either savages or pirates.

The flag, though tattered and patched, looked very like an English
ensign with the jack torn out of it.

"Depend upon it, some Englishman is there," observed Tarbox. "What
object could any pirates or savages have in flying a flag from that
point?"

We found the shore lined with black volcanic rocks, among which there
was some difficulty in landing. However, at length we discovered a
place between two ledges, into which we ran the boat. One of the men
remained to take charge of her, while the rest of us, landing, walked up
the beach. We soon came to the thick jungle, in which we could find no
opening. We therefore continued along