paroquets, and smelt the rich perfume of the flowering shrubs, the
truth--that we were really delivered from prison and from death--rushed
with overwhelming power into our souls, and with one accord, while tears
sprang to our eyes, we uttered a loud, long cheer of joy.

It was replied to by a shout from a number of the natives who chanced to
be near. Running towards us, they shook us by the hand with every
demonstration of kindly feeling. They then fell behind, and forming a
sort of procession, conducted us to the dwelling of Tararo.

The scene that met our eyes here was one that I shall never forget. On
a rude bench in front of his house sat the chief. A native stood on his
left hand, who from his dress seemed to be a teacher. On his right
stood an English gentleman, who I at once, and rightly, concluded was a
missionary. He was tall, thin, and apparently past forty, with a bald
forehead and thin grey hair. The expression of his countenance was the
most winning I ever saw, and his clear grey eyes beamed with a look that
was frank, fearless, loving, and truthful. In front of the chief was an
open space, in the centre of which lay a pile of wooden idols, ready to
be set on fire; and around these were assembled thousands of natives,
who had come to join in or to witness the unusual sight. A bright smile
overspread the missionary's face as he advanced quickly to meet us, and
he shook us warmly by the hands.

"I am overjoyed to meet you, my dear young friends," he said. "My
friend and _your_ friend, the teacher, has told me your history; and I
thank our Father in heaven with all my heart, that He has guided me to
this island and made me the instrument of saving you."

We thanked the missionary most heartily, and asked him, in some
surprise, how he had succeeded in turning the heart of Tararo in our
favour.

"I will tell you that at a more convenient time," he answered,
"meanwhile we must not forget the respect due to the chief. He waits to
receive you."

In the conversation that immediately followed between us and Tararo, the
latter said that the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ had been sent
to the island, and that to it we were indebted for our freedom.
Moreover, he told us that we were at liberty to depart in our schooner
whenever we pleased, and that we should be supplied with as much
provision as we required. He concluded by shaking hands with us warmly,
and performing the ceremony of rubbing nos