e consist?" I ask, thinking that it would be
of the bread-fruit and other fruits we saw on the altars.

"You will see," he answered, with one of those gleams of savage pleasure
which ever and anon pass over his countenance.

We remark that there are only men and boys among the crowd,--no women
nor girls. The crowd increases,--there is expectation on their
countenances, as if something of importance is about to happen. Still
we can obtain no information from Taro; he only says, "You will see, you
will see."

"A very well-behaved set of people are these," observes Golding. "In
England, among such a crowd, there would be fighting and squabbling. I
would as lief be one of these happy islanders as an Englishman, with all
our religion and civilisation."

"I have an idea, begging pardon, Master Golding, that you are not yet
very well acquainted with these happy islanders," observes Tony Hinks.
"It strikes me that ere long you will change your opinion. Wait a bit;
as Tom Tar says, you will see--you will see."

CHAPTER FOUR.

A NARROW ESCAPE.

The air is warm and balmy, the blue sea sparkles brightly, the lofty
mountains, glowing in the sunshine, rise up majestically into the clear
sky, the graceful palm-trees gently wave their boughs; all nature is
smiling with life, and health, and beauty, and all the perfections which
a bountiful Creator has spread over these regions. "What a paradise,"
exclaims the surgeon. "I agree with Golding, I should be well content
to remain here to end my days."

While watching for what is next to occur, we see four chief men, so they
seem by their dress and bearing, walking along the beach. Taro says
they are priests. There are several men in attendance. They stop, as
if waiting for some one. They are armed with clubs and knives. Among
the crowd comes a young man taller than his companions, and comely in
his appearance. He seems joyous and light of heart, for he sings and
laughs, regardless of coming ill. The priests, watching him
steadfastly, slowly approach. He stops and looks at them with an
inquiring expression on his youthful countenance. "We require one quick
of foot to bear a message to the Eatua," says the chief priest. The
youth starts. Before he can reply, a blow from the priest's club lays
him low on the sand. The others fall on him with their clubs, and drive
out any life remaining. The priests, surrounding the corpse, place it
with the feet towards the