oods as
we had brought as we considered equivalent to the various lots.

Our trading had hitherto gone on well, and we hoped soon thoroughly to
gain the confidence of the natives, and be able to make the inquiries we
desired.

Kalong had come with us, and as he could not understand us, we told Ned
to get him to try what he could do.

We watched him eagerly. After a time the Papuans appeared to understand
what he was saying, they replied. He then turned and repeated what they
had said to Ned, who told us that the Papuans acknowledged that some
white men had been living with them for some time, but that they had
been carried off by another tribe, who had come far away from the
northward, at some distance from the coast. Before this they had made
several attempts to escape, and were building a canoe for the purpose,
when the enemy came down and made them prisoners.

Kalong was then directed to inquire what sort of people they were. I
listened eagerly for Ned's interpretation; at last he said--

"One was a chief, who notwithstanding worked as willingly, or more so,
than any of the rest, and seemed more anxious than they were to get
away."

This description made me hope that it was my father of whom the Papuan
spoke, but I was bitterly disappointed to hear that he had been carried
to a distance, as it might still be long before we could find him.
Uncle Jack felt as I did.

"We must, notwithstanding, keep up our spirits, Harry," he said;
"there's no proof that he has lost his life, and as these savages don't
move far from their locations, we may soon have a chance of
communicating with him. We must try and get our friends here to help
us, and the promise of a large reward may incite their wits and courage.
Having succeeded thus far we will not give up the search, and if we can
get one of these frizzly-pated gentlemen to act as our guide we will set
off at once to look for him."

Uncle Jack explained his plans to Captain Bingley.

"I should like to make every effort in my power to recover my friend
Musgrave, but I dare not risk the loss of any of my people in making the
attempt," he answered.

"Then with your leave, Captain Bingley, I will go alone!" exclaimed
Uncle Jack. "Who will volunteer? Ned, I am sure that you will be ready
to go and look after your old captain."

"Aye, aye, sir," was the answer, "with all my heart."

"And I'll go too," said Bell, who had an eye to trade, and an idea that
he might