n turned out a willing, handy fellow, and, understanding his
business, was of great use. Neither Dom Maxara nor his daughter
appeared on deck.

In the meantime the stream-anchor had been dropped astern, and the cable
hove upon until quite taut; the shears had been got on deck; the
carpenter was busy with his axe. The remains of the fore-topmast had
been removed, for it had broken off short, leaving the head of the
foremast uninjured, and already the spare topmast had been swayed aloft
and pointed through. The men worked cheerfully and well. Not a sign of
life had been seen on shore, and with the exception of the gulls, which
were wheeling and circling round the brig, and the Mother Carey's
chickens which were dipping over the boats now veered astern, all
outside the vessel was perfectly still. The sound of the breaking surf
came with a hollow dull thud at intervals on the breeze, which was
gradually dying out, and nothing could present a greater contrast than
the quiet, peaceful sheet of water, with its fringes of cocoa-palms, and
beach of white shining sand, with the still waters of the bay, to the
noise, bustle, and labour going on all day long on board the brig.

The missionary's fears had not been realised, and night came on quietly
and serenely after a day of toil. The wind had quite died away, and the
stars were shining brilliantly; indeed, so still was the air that the
noise of the river could be heard as it fell into the sea, about the
centre of the bay.

The night was warm and oppressive, and on shore the woods seemed filled
with enormous fireflies, floating here and there. They were in great
quantities, and would settle on the trees, lighting them with myriads of
tiny lights, and making them look like pyramids of sparkling diamonds.
Some would come floating off towards the brig, the little lights dancing
over her decks and settling on her rigging. The scream of the parrots
among the trees had ceased, and save occasionally the quack of the ducks
feeding in the river, all was still. Silence now reigned on the brig's
decks, for the day had been one of toil. The night was hot, and the men
lay thrown about carelessly, wrapped in cloaks, sails, or anything they
could find, among the loose spars. On her forecastle two men alone kept
watch, one of whom was the mate, Mr Lowe. Aft a small awning had been
rigged, and the passengers were enjoying the beautiful tropical night.
Cushions had been brought up fro