owing,
as is the custom of the Romish Church in those Seas, in the wake of
every Protestant Mission, to pollute and to destroy.

Being delayed also for two weeks on Noumea, we saw the state of affairs
under military rule. English Protestant residents, few in number,
appealed to me to conduct worship, but liberty could not be obtained
from the authorities, who hated everything English. Again a number of
Protestant parents, some French, others English and German, applied to
me to baptize their children at their own houses. To have asked
permission would have been to court refusal, and to falsify my position.
I laid the matter before the Lord, and baptized them all. Within two
days the Private Secretary of the Governor arrived with an interpreter,
and began to inquire of me, "Is it true that you have been baptizing
here?"

I replied quite frankly, "It is."

"We are sent to demand on whose authority?"

"On the authority of my Great Master."

"When did you get that authority?"

"When I was licensed and ordained to preach the Gospel, I got that
authority from my Great Master."

Here a spirited conversation followed betwixt the two in French, and
they politely bowed, and left me.

Very shortly they returned, saying, "The Governor sends his compliments,
and he wishes the honor of a visit from you at Government House at three
o'clock, if convenient for you."

I returned my greeting, and said that I would have pleasure in waiting
upon his Excellency at the appointed hour. I thought to myself that I
was in for it now, and I earnestly cried for Divine guidance.

He saluted me graciously as "de great Missionary of de New Hebrides." He
conversed in a very friendly manner about the work there, and seemed
anxious to find any indication as to the English designs. I had to deal
very cautiously. He spoke chiefly through the interpreter; but,
sometimes dismissing him, he talked to me as good, if not better English
himself. He was eager to get my opinions as to how Britain got and
retained her power over the Natives. After a very prolonged interview,
we parted without a single reference to the baptisms or to religious
services!

That evening the Secretary and interpreter waited upon us at our Inn,
saying, "The Governor will have pleasure in placing his yacht and crew
at your disposal to-morrow. Mrs. Paton and you can sail all around, and
visit the Convict Island, and the Government Gardens, where lunch will
be prepared for yo