ounded a sandy point, covered with a dense growth of
coco-nut trees and pandanus palms; this point formed the southern horn
of a small deep bay, in the centre of which stood an island, warded by
a snow-white beach, and on the nearmost shore Maurice saw a canoe drawn
up.

The island beach was quite three hundred yards away, but Maurice was
a good swimmer, and although he shuddered at the thought of sharks, he
plunged in the water after his dark-skinned companion and soon reached
the islet, which was but a tiny spot, containing some two or three score
of coco-palms, and three untenanted native huts. It was used by the
natives as a fishing station, and the canoe, which was a very small one,
had evidently been in use that day. Close by were the marks in the sand
where a larger one had been carried down. In one of the huts smoke was
arising from a native ground-oven, which showed that the fishermen had
not long gone; doubtless they would return when the food was cooked, for
the native boy pointed out the oven to Maurice with a look of alarm.

The two boys soon launched the canoe, and each seizing a paddle, at once
struck out in the direction of the ship. The native lad sat aft, Maurice
for'ard, and clumsy as was the latter with the long and narrow canoe
paddle, he yet managed to keep his seat and not capsize the frail little
craft.

'Hurroo!' cried foolish Maurice, turning to his companion, 'we're all
right now, I'm thinkin'. There's the ship!'

There she was sure enough, and there also were four canoes, paddling
along close in-shore, returning from their chase of the captain's
boat. They heard Maurice's loud shout of triumph, at once altered their
course, and sped swiftly towards the two boys.

* * * * *

Scarcely had Captain Williams and his exhausted crew gained the ship
when the mate reported that a fleet of canoes was coming across from
the mainland of New Britain, and orders were at once given to load the
ship's eight guns with grape and canister. (In those days of Chinese
and Malay pirates and dangerous natives of the South Seas, all merchants
ships, particularly those engaged in the sandal-wood trade, were well
armed, and almost man-of-war discipline observed.)

'We'll give them something to remember us by, Hodgson,' said Captain
Williams, grimly. 'That poor lad! To think I never noticed he was not in
the boat till too late! I expect he's murdered by now; but I shall take
a blo