on shore, could not be seen
from the boat, and this fact was somewhat puzzling to Hans.

"Why is it," he asked, "that the ship cannot be seen from out boat,
though it could from the peak of the island? There is no hill to see
over."

"It is because the world is round, and we can only look straight
forward. I expect that when we are able to see that vessel's sails, she
will be nearly twelve miles off from us; so that now she is more than
that, but that will enable us to cut her off in her course."

"I never noticed this on shore," said Hans, "though we have large flats
there."

"None so level as the ocean," replied the officer: "that alone shows
every thing in its beauty. You will not, I expect, ever like your
inland life again, after having seen the real sea."

Hans looked astonished at this remark, and hesitated a minute before he
replied. He then said, "Do you mean to compare this salt, dull-looking
water, over which you creep in a boat, and fear getting drowned every
minute, to our beautiful flowery plains or forests amongst which we can
ride? Why, you cannot get on a horse here ever."

"And never want to," replied the lieutenant. "I always tumble off when
I do; but that's not often. When a man can ride over the waves. I
don't see what he wants with a horse on dry land."

"Ah! you don't know what the plains are, that is evident," replied Hans,
"or you'd be discontented with the sea."

"There's the ship," said the lieutenant; "she's coming along fast. We
must hoist a flag now. A red handkerchief must be our flag. Easy with
the oars, men; we've way enough."

The ship came steadily on, and when within about two miles of the boats
she lowered her studding sails and made indications of lying to, so that
the lieutenant at once knew his boats had been seen. The captain of the
ship was standing in the rigging, watching the boats, and on coming
within hailing distance inquired where the boats were from. The
lieutenant answered him, and pulling alongside was soon with his boat's
crew on the deck of the ship, his boats being hauled on board also.

The vessel proved to be an Indiaman bound for Madras, and was a
well-appointed vessel in every way. The lieutenant and Hans were
immediately given accommodation in the after-part of the vessel, whilst
the sailors and Zulus were quartered amongst the crew. The captain of
the Indiaman, having heard the account of the lieutenant, was surprised
to find the isla