bbed. The captain says that
we are bound to let one go. I plead that all should be let go, that on
the faith of this Tony was returned to us, and that it is both our duty,
and wise as a Christian and civilised people, to show clemency to the
savages. With difficulty, however, I prevail, and Bent tells the chiefs
that they may order a canoe to come alongside, and may go free. They
appear very much astonished, and doubtful whether we are in earnest. I
watch their eyes when they fully understand that they are free to go.
Savages though they may be, there is human sympathy between us; they are
grateful for the way we have treated them; and I feel sure that we
should be far safer on shore should we return, than if we had hanged
them as proposed. "We are well quit of these savages," observes
Golding, as we get free of the reefs, and stand out to sea.

There is another group to the north of the Tongas called Samoa, or
Navigators Islands. The people, Bent tells me, are very like those of
the Tonga group. Of this Tonga group which we are leaving there are
numerous islands--the first collection to the north, called the Haabai
group, while further north is that of Vavau--all governed by different
chiefs, who spend their time in fighting with each other.

While I am on deck in charge of the watch that night I see a bright
light burst forth to the north-east, rising out of the sea and reaching
to the sky. There is a noise at the same time as if there was distant
thunder. I fancy at first that some hapless ship has caught fire, and I
send below to ask leave of the captain that we may steer towards her to
pick up any of the crew who may have escaped. The captain bids me come
and examine the chart, and I see several islands with burning mountains
on them marked down. The fire we see proceeds undoubtedly from one of
them--Koa, perhaps. The matter is settled by finding our deck covered
with fine ashes fallen from the sky.

Four days after leaving Tonga we find ourselves among islands of every
size and shape and height, many of them having lofty mountains in their
centres, while coral reefs are in all directions. Never has my eye
rested on scenes of greater loveliness than these islands present; they
are apparently fertile in the extreme, green gems dotting the blue
ocean. If men could be perfectly happy and gentle and contented, loving
each other and being loved, it would, I should think, be here. Each
island looks like