treat
the natives of islands like these like dogs. As far as they could have
told there was an excellent chance of attacking the ship to-day, though
we know that we kept up a vigilant watch all the time, and yet nothing
could have been more friendly than they were."

"There is no doubt something in what you say, captain," Mr. Atherton
agreed. "Many of the captains of the ships who trade among these islands
are certainly rough fellows, who would think nothing of knocking a
native down, and others again are so culpably careless as to offer
almost an inducement to the natives to grasp what is to them untold
wealth. Still, I think it is as well to be cautious."

"Of course we shall be cautious," the captain replied; "but I really do
not think that you and the others need bother yourselves to be always
standing on sentry."

"It is no trouble," Mr. Atherton said, "and I think we will keep it up
until we are fairly under weigh."

Mr. Atherton was not pleased at seeing that the captain the next day
relaxed somewhat in the strictness of the rules he laid down, and the
crew were allowed to trade freely with the natives.

"We must be more vigilant than ever," he said to Wilfrid and the Allens.
"The captain is so pleased at having got his mast on board that he is
disposed to view the natives with friendly eyes, which, if they mean
treachery, is just what they want. Finding that we were too much on the
watch to be taken by surprise, they would naturally try to lull us with
a sense of false security."

In the afternoon the chief again came off and formally invited the
captain to a feast on shore. He accepted the invitation, and went back
with them, accompanied by three or four of the passengers who had
scoffed at the idea of danger. After a stay of two or three hours they
returned on board.

"I think, Mr. Ryan," the captain said that evening, "you had better take
a couple of boats in the morning and go ashore for water. We shall have
everything ready for getting up our anchor after dinner. Of course your
crew will be well armed and take every precaution, but I do not think
that there is the slightest danger."

"Very well, sir. You may be sure I will keep my weather-eye open."

Mr. Atherton shook his head when in the morning he saw the boats being
lowered, and heard from the first officer the orders he had received.

"From what you say there is water enough to last us to Wellington if we
are all put on somewhat shorter all