" and on
further examining him, Mr Worthy came to the conclusion that she was
either a pirate, or a craft engaged in carrying off the inhabitants to
work in the mines of Peru--the rumour having reached us at Valparaiso
that some vessels had been fitted out for that purpose. He had for some
time been serving on board a whaler, where he had learned English; and
having deserted at a port in Peru, had joined this craft in the hope of
getting back to his own island, whither he had understood she was bound.

His name, he told us, was Tamaku. He and Dicky Popo soon became great
friends, and both made themselves very useful on board. It was singular
that they should have joined us much in the same way. Tamaku was likely
to prove of service in acting as interpreter with the natives of
Polynesia; for the language of the Sandwich group differs but slightly
from the dialects of the other brown-skinned races inhabiting the
numerous archipelagoes which dot its surface. The Sandwich Islanders
can thus generally make themselves understood wherever they go.

Tamaku being a merry, obliging fellow, became a favourite with the crew,
and we hoped that we should be able to retain him on board even after
our visit to the Sandwich Islands, to which we were now bound.

We were glad enough to get clear of the Low Archipelago, for it is a
serious matter to be caught in a gale amid its countless coral reefs,
many of which are not to be seen until the ship is close upon them; and
even in fine weather the greatest vigilance is required to avoid
them. We had a look-out at each fore-topsail-yardarm, at the
fore-topmast-head, and often at the bowsprit end, as the submerged reefs
can in calm weather be distinguished only by the darker colour of the
water. Even when we were clear of these, we had still to keep a
look-out for other islands in our course; as well as for the craft which
Tamaku had described to us, or for her consorts, which the commander was
very anxious to catch.

As we were soon afterwards running on with a flowing sheet during the
night, the stars being obscured by clouds, and the wind pretty strong,
"Land! land on the starboard bow!" was shouted from forward. "Land
ahead!" was the next startling cry. What dangerous reef might run off
it was not known. "Starboard the helm!" shouted the officer of the
watch; "brace the yards sharp up!"

"All hands on deck!" was the next cry; for the ship was heeling over so
much to the gale