the current. Still, notwithstanding
all our efforts, we appeared to be drawing nearer and nearer the reef as
the current swept us along, and I began to think that, notwithstanding
all we had gone through, we were doomed to be lost at last. The mate,
however, cheered us up.

Daylight soon broke. As the sun rose the wind increased, and presently,
a fresh breeze springing up, he hauled aft the sheet, and with the help
of the oars the boat moved quickly along till we got out of the current.

We were now able to venture close enough to the reef to look out for a
safe opening. At last we found one a little to the southward of the
largest island, and hauling up, we steered for it.

The sea broke on either side of the passage, which was large enough for
a good-sized vessel to venture through. We stood on, keeping a look-out
for dangers ahead.

We were soon inside, where the water was perfectly smooth. Seeing a
snug little harbour, we ran for it. As we approached, we saw a number
of natives coming down, darkish-skinned fellows, though not so black as
those of the Caroline Islands all of them without a stitch of clothing
on except a loin cloth; but they were pleasant-looking, and we saw no
weapons among them.

The mate, however, kept the muskets concealed in the stern-sheets, ready
for use in case they were only acting treacherously, and should suddenly
rush down upon us with clubs and spears. Still, as we got nearer, and
waved our hands, they showed no inclination to attack us, and made every
sign to let us understand that they wished to be friends.

We therefore lowered the sail, and pulled the boat gently towards the
beach. On this they came down, and when we jumped out, helped us to
haul her up. There was one man who seemed to be the chief. He came up
and shook hands with Mr Griffiths, the doctor, and me, and then ordered
six of his people to stay by the boat, as we supposed to guard her. He
made no objection when the mate and the doctor went back to get the
muskets, but seemed to think it very natural that they should wish to be
armed amongst so many strangers.

The other people were in the meantime making friends with the rest of
our party. The chief now invited us up to his house. It was built of
trunks of small trees and bamboo canes, and thatched with palm-leaves,
much in the same style as the huts of other South Sea islanders, though
of a fair size. It was also very clean, and the floors were cover