eral tribes on the
islands, in some instances two or more an the same island, who carry on
devastating wars with each other, and who all slaughter and eat the
captives taken in battle. Though they seem much attached to their
country, they firmly hold to the belief that there is a far better land
to the east, and numbers are seized with a strong desire to visit it.
Year after year the largest canoes are fitted out and provisioned, and
men, women, and children crowding on board, they set sail, and away they
glide, never to return. Strange to say, that although those who have
gone have not again been heard of, others are found equally ready to go
in the same direction, believing that their predecessors have reached
the happy land. The priests encourage this infatuation, as those who
embark leave their property to them. This is faith, but alas! sadly
misdirected. It shows a yearning for something better,--to escape from
cruel wars and practices and misgovernment, to attain peace and quiet
and rest. It is certain that almost all who thus embark perish horribly
at sea. A few may be thrown on coral islands,--probably to die,--
certainly never to return.

I must speak of the sandal-wood in which we are trading. It is a small
tree, with numerous irregular branches, and which with the trunk are
covered with a thick red-brown bark. The leaves, which turn inwards,
are of a very dark green colour. The flowers, growing in clusters, are
white, with a red exterior. The wood is of a light yellow colour, and
is very fragrant. It is sold to the Chinese, who burn it as incense in
their temples, and manufacture from it a variety of articles. Candles
are also made from it thus: a thin sheet of the wood forms a wick, which
is surrounded by a mixture of its sawdust and rice-paste.

Our traffic has continued without interruption. Tony Hinks, in command
of a boat with Golding, is embarking the sandal-wood, of which a pile
lies on the beach. I am watching from the deck through my glass what is
taking place. The vendor of the wood is a young chief: he has been
examining the articles given him in barter. Suddenly he seems
discontented with them, and refuses to put more wood into the boat
Golding, who is on shore, threatens him. He lifts his club, and I
believe that the last moment of the supercargo has arrived. Tony Hinks
is in the boat; he lifts his musket, and before the club can descend on
Golding's head a bullet is sent thro