ly
cast down again on the ground at her feet.

Tararo now advanced, and taking the girl by the hand, led her
unresistingly away; while Jack, Peterkin, and I returned with the
teacher on board the schooner.

On reaching the deck we went down to the cabin, where Jack threw
himself, in a state of great dejection, on a couch; but the teacher
seated himself by his side, and laying his hand upon his shoulder, said:

"Do not give way to anger, my young friend. God has given us three
days, and we must use the means that are in our power to free this poor
girl from slavery. We must not sit in idle disappointment; we must
act--"

"Act!" cried Jack, raising himself and tossing back his hair wildly.
"It is mockery to talk of acting when one is bound hand and foot. How
can I act? I cannot fight a whole nation of savages single-handed.
Yes," he said with a bitter smile, "I _can_ fight them; but I cannot
conquer them, or save Avatea."

"Patience, my friend: your spirit is not a good one just now. You
cannot expect that blessing which alone can ensure success unless you
are more submissive. I will tell you my plans if you will listen."

"Listen!" cried Jack eagerly. "Of course I will, my good fellow! I did
not know you had any plans. Out with them! I only hope you will show
me how I can get the girl on board of this schooner, and I'd up anchor
and away in no time. But proceed with your plans."

The teacher smiled sadly. "Ah, my friend, if one fathom of your
anchor-chain were to rattle as you drew it in, a thousand warriors would
be standing on your deck! No, no; that could not be done. Even now
your ship would be taken from you were it not that Tararo has some
feeling of gratitude towards you. But I know Tararo well. He is a man
of falsehood, as all the unconverted savages are. The chief to whom he
has promised this girl is very powerful, and Tararo _must_ fulfil his
promise. He has told you that he would do nothing to the girl for three
days, but that is because the party who are to take her away will not be
ready to start for three days. Still, as he might have made you a
prisoner during those three days, I say that God has given them to us."

"Well, but what do you propose to do?" said Jack impatiently.

"My plan involves much danger; but I see no other, and I think you have
courage to brave it. It is this. There is an island about fifty miles
to the south of this, the natives of which are Christians,