ap thigs," replied the man, not comprehending the wholesale
trade.

It was of no use to attempt to bargain with these people; they had no
money, and they could help themselves to what they pleased. Noddy gave
them heavy articles enough to load their boat, for he felt that he had
no further use for them, if there was a whale ship at the other island.
He questioned the savage very closely in regard to the vessel, and was
satisfied that he spoke the truth. The welcome intelligence that a
portion of the Roebuck's crew had been saved, rendered the exiles the
more anxious to visit the island.

The savages all landed and gazed at Mollie with the utmost interest and
curiosity. Probably they had never before seen an American girl. But
they were respectful to her, and she soon ceased to be afraid of them.
She laughed with them, and soon became quite intimate with the whole
party. They treated her like a superior being; and certainly her pretty
face and her gentle manners were quite enough to inspire them with such
an idea.

The savages had loaded their goods into the canoe, and were ready to
return. The man who spoke English offered them a passage in his craft;
but Noddy decided that it would be better and safer for them to go over
in their own boat. He proceeded to secure all his valuables, including
all his own money and that he had saved from the state-room of the
captain, which he concealed about his clothes. The boat was well loaded
with such articles as he thought would be useful to Mollie, or would
sell best when a chance offered. He had quite a cargo, and the savages
began to be impatient before his preparations were completed.

While he was thus employed, Mollie gathered fresh flowers, and paid her
last visit, as she supposed, to the grave of her father. She wept there,
as she thought of leaving him in that far-off, lonely island; but she
was consoled by the belief that her father's spirit dwelt in the happy
land, where spring eternal ever reigns.

The boat was ready; she wiped away her tears, and stepped on board. Both
of them felt sad at the thought of leaving the island; but home had
hopes which reconciled them to the change.

CHAPTER XX.

HOMEWARD BOUND.

Noddy shook out the sail of the boat, and pushing her off, followed the
canoe. Though the exiles had been on the island but little over two
months, they had become much attached to their new home, and it was with
a feeling of sadness that they bade