nds being tied behind them, in addition to which, each was
fastened to the tree by a rope of sennit. It would be difficult to say
which party seemed most rejoiced at this sudden meeting. As soon as
they were liberated, we embraced one another with tears of joy.

"Let us leave this place as fast as possible," said Arthur, as soon as
he became a little composed, "I expect the return of the natives every
moment,--and we have more to dread from them than you can guess. But I
find I am so stiff after lying bound here all day, that I can hardly
walk. Now, Johnny, take my hand, and try to get along. How is it with
you, Eiulo--do you feel able to travel fast?"

The latter appeared to understand the drift of the question, and
answered by frisking and jumping about in exultation at his recovered
liberty.

Instead of returning by the way by which we had come, along the shore,
we pushed on in a straight line, in the supposed direction of the islet,
in order to avoid the risk of meeting the natives. After toiling for an
hour through the woods, we emerged into the open country to the east of
the rocky ridge that traversed the course of the stream. During this
time, we had been too fully occupied in picking our way with the
necessary caution, besides the constant apprehension of suddenly
encountering the natives, to ask for any explanations. But now we began
to feel somewhat reassured, and as we hastened on towards the islet,
Arthur very briefly informed us, that they had yesterday been suddenly
surprised by a party of six natives, soon after leaving us at the islet,
and hurried off to the shore: that they had been left by their captors
this morning, secured as we had found them, and had remained in that
condition until released by us. He added that he had more to
communicate by-and-bye.

The joy of Browne and Max at our return, accompanied by the lost ones,
may be imagined--but it can scarcely be described. In fact, I am
obliged to confess that we were such children, as to enact quite "a
scene," at this unexpected meeting. Heartfelt and sincere were the
thanksgivings we that night rendered to Him, who had kept us in perfect
safety, and reunited us, after a separation made so distressing by our
uncertainty as to each other's fate.

After Arthur, Eiulo, and Johnny, had appeased their hunger with the
scanty remains of our supply of provisions, the two latter lay down upon
a bed of ferns beneath the Aoa, and were soon sle