, but before you
go you must learn something of the new religion which we have been
taught, that you may go back and speak of it to your people, or wherever
you may go."

The astonished captives could scarcely believe their senses, the
treatment was so unlike anything those they had known taken in war had
experienced. They consulted together and expressed their willingness to
accept the offer. They were completely overcome when the king promised
them a large canoe and ample provisions for their return. The people
having taken some refreshment, assembled at the church, where hearty
thanksgivings were offered up for the deliverance they had experienced.
The captives attended. I watched their countenances. They seemed lost
in amazement. All the sentiments were so new and strange. The reign of
the Prince of Peace was spoken of. They soon after came to the
missionary desiring that they might be allowed to serve so good a
Master. They never seemed tired of receiving instruction in the new
doctrine, and I was struck with its wonderful adaptability to
unsophisticated man, and its power of satisfying his heart yearnings,
from the avidity with which they seized each point as presented to them.

It was now time to return to the mission station. We bade an
affectionate farewell to Alea, promising to send her intended husband
back to the island as soon as possible. The now liberated captives
agreed to embark on the same day. Their chief entreaty was that a
missionary or a teacher might be sent them to instruct them in the way
of eternal life, that way which, by a wonderful combination of
circumstances, they were now anxious to follow. Thus the Almighty works
often, and thus He has thought fit in an especial manner to work
throughout the Pacific.

The difficulty was to obtain a teacher. Mr Bent had several under
training at the station, and he told the captives that if they would
accompany us he would endeavour to find one who would return with them
to their island. They were delighted with the proposal, and exhibited
an extraordinary eagerness to set forth. Their hurry was at the time
unaccountable, as they were evidently sincere in their expressions.
Anxious to please them, we accordingly had our canoe launched, taking
several of them on board, the remainder going in the canoe given by the
king. The wind being fair, we had a quick run till more than half way
across. Just then, through our glasses, we caught sig