"I pray that our poor converts will escape their fury. We must now
trust to the protection of Him who is able to guide us over the stormy
ocean to a haven of rest. His will be done."

"The sooner we are out of the reach of those savages the better, or they
will be coming after us in their canoes," observed old Tom. "When we
are outside we shall be able to make sail and stand to the eastward. If
the wind favours us we shall reach a Christian island in the course of a
week, where we are sure to meet a hearty welcome. We have provisions
enough on board to last us a month, so we need have no fear of starving,
whatever happens."

This address encouraged the men, who pulled away in good spirits, Harry
and Bass, who had each an oar, setting them an example. Mr Hart
offered to row.

"No, no, sir," answered old Tom. "You are not accustomed to the sort of
life we shall have to lead for the next few days, and you will have
enough to do to look after your poor wife. We all feel more for her
than for ourselves, and will do our best to make her as comfortable as
we can."

Mrs Hart thanked old Tom, and assured him that she was resigned to
whatever might happen, and felt no alarm, notwithstanding the fearful
scene they had witnessed.

The boat now reached the passage, and passing between the two walls of
foam which rose up on either hand, was soon tossing on the wild sea
outside. Harry, as he pulled away, had watched the shore anxiously, and
was thankful to find that they were not as yet pursued. He had little
doubt, however, that, as soon as the savages could reach their canoes,
they would put off in chase, they not supposing that so small a boat
would venture out into the open sea on so stormy a night.

"Now, lads, we will set up the mast and make sail," said old Tom, after
the boat had got some distance from the reef. "You need not be alarmed,
marm," he continued, addressing Mrs Hart; "this whale-boat of ours is
strong, and will go through twice as much sea as we have now."

Old Tom did not over-estimate the good qualities of the boat. Though
the dark seas rose up capped with foam around her, she sprang lightly
over them, guided by his experienced hands, scarcely shipping a drop of
water.

Thus she went on during the night.

When morning dawned she had run the island out of sight. As the wind
had been gradually decreasing, and the sea going down, they were able to
re-stow the boat.

By Harry's forethought