day long I was talking to them, so that I found myself making rapid
progress in their somewhat difficult language.

With a fair wind, the missionary flag flying from the mast-head, we
entered the harbour. The shore was crowded, and more and more people
came rushing down from all quarters. It was evident that they would not
receive us with indifference. Mr Bent had wished to prepare the king
for his daughter's return; but she was recognised before we reached the
beach, and several people hurried off to inform her father of her
arrival. As the vessel's keel touched the strand we saw the people
separating on either side, and between them appeared the old chief
hurrying down towards us. We instantly landed with Alea, and no sooner
did her father reach her than, contrary to all native customs, he folded
her in his arms, and kissing her brow, burst into tears?--but they were
tears of joy.

"Forgive you, daughter!" he answered to her petition. "It is I have to
be thankful that I could not succeed in ruining your soul and body as I
proposed. What agony should I now be feeling had I cast you into the
power of the child of Satan, to the destruction of your soul and body
alike!"

These words made Alea truly happy, and still more so when her father
gave her free permission to become the wife of Vihala. During their
first interview we stood aside; but now the king came forward, and
invited us to come up to his abode. He had evidently some reason for
wishing us to come at once. What was our surprise to see on the summit
of a hill a building beyond all comparison larger than had ever been
erected in the island. The king pointed it out to us with no slight
pride. It was a church built entirely by the natives, according to the
descriptions given them by Vihala, and the assistance of two or three of
them who had seen Christian places of worship during their visits to
other islands, though they were at the time themselves heathen. Often
have I since seen heathens sitting at the porch of a place of worship,
or standing outside the circle of eager listeners; and I have hoped, not
without reason, that those men were imbibing some portion of the seed
thus scattered, to bring forth fruit in due time. This fact alone is
encouraging; indeed there is every encouragement to persevere in
missionary labour throughout the Pacific. Where, indeed, is it not to
be found, if waited for with patience? The missionary, too, feels that
he