what we
should do, should we not find her. Our only idea had been to return to
Mota; but from that island we were already at a considerable distance,
and bad weather might come on before we could reach it. A few years
before this, however, we should have been in much greater peril, for
there would have been no place for which we could steer with any
certainty of meeting with a friendly reception. It was sad to think
that generation after generation had passed away, during which these
beautiful islands had been inhabited by savages, to whom no one had
carried the light of the Gospel; and that, even now, only on a few
isolated spots were missionaries established, few of whom, owing to the
numerous difficulties in their way, had made much progress.

As we had all been awake during the previous night, scarcely had we
thrown ourselves on the sand than most of us were fast asleep. It
appeared to me that I had scarcely closed my eyes when I was summoned by
Charlie to keep my watch. Although I might have excused myself, as
being in charge of the boat, I did not wish to do that. He told me that
he had heard no sounds to indicate that any savages were in the
neighbourhood. I took the musket which he handed me, and kept pacing up
and down on the top of a bare mound, beyond which the ground sloped
upwards towards the interior, as far as I could make out in the
darkness. I thought it prudent, however, to cast my eye towards the
other side of the bay, for it seemed to me that there was a way along
under the cliffs at low water. It was arranged that should the sentry
see any one coming, he was to shout to the rest of the party, who were
to launch the boat, while he made the best of his way to join them.
This might appear a very timid proceeding, but, considering the savage
character of the natives, it was the only safe mode of showing them that
we had no hostile intentions. We might thus also the better be able to
gain their friendship.

Day broke while I was still on watch, and I could now distinguish the
nature of the country. It was thickly wooded in all directions, with
hills, or mountains, indeed, rising to a considerable elevation; and I
was thankful, on looking at the grove, to see that the trees were loaded
with cocoanuts. However, I would not quit my post till I was relieved,
as it was far more important to keep a look-out now than it was during
the night. Looking towards our camp, I saw Charlie on his feet,
a