fore sunset, and hove-to off the coral reef. Here we
awaited the arrival of a canoe, which immediately put off on our rounding
to. When it arrived, a mild-looking native, of apparently forty years of
age, came on board, and, taking off his straw hat, made us a low bow. He
was clad in a respectable suit of European clothes; and the first words
he uttered, as he stepped up to Jack and shook hands with him, were,--

"Good day, gentlemen; we are happy to see you at Mango--you are heartily
welcome."

After returning his salutation, Jack exclaimed, "You must be the native
missionary teacher of whom I have heard--are you not?"

"I am. I have the joy to be a servant of the Lord Jesus at this
station."

"You're the very man I want to see, then," replied Jack; "that's lucky.
Come down to the cabin, friend, and have a glass of wine. I wish
particularly to speak with you. My men there" (pointing to Peterkin and
me) "will look after your people."

"Thank you," said the teacher, as he followed Jack to the cabin, "I do
not drink wine or any strong drink."

"Oh! then, there's lots of water, and you can have biscuit."

"Now, 'pon my word, that's cool!" said Peterkin; "his _men_, forsooth!
Well, since we are to be men, we may as well come it as strong over these
black chaps as we can. Hallo, there!" he cried to the half dozen of
natives who stood upon the deck, gazing in wonder at all they saw,
"here's for you;" and he handed them a tray of broken biscuit and a can
of water. Then, thrusting his hands into his pockets, he walked up and
down the deck with an enormous swagger, whistling vociferously.

In about half an hour Jack and the teacher came on deck, and the latter,
bidding us a cheerful good evening, entered his canoe and paddled to the
shore. When he was gone, Peterkin stepped up to Jack, and, touching his
cap, said,--

"Well, captain, have you any communications to make to your _men_?"

"Yes," cried Jack; "ready about, mind the helm and clew up your tongue,
while I con the schooner through the passage in the reef. The teacher,
who seems a first-rate fellow, says it's quite deep, and good anchorage
within the lagoon close to the shore."

While the vessel was slowly advancing to her anchorage, under a light
breeze, Jack explained to us that Avatea was still on the island, living
amongst the heathens; that she had expressed a strong desire to join the
Christians, but Tararo would not let her, and kept her consta