er sweet countenance, I saw that it was tanned almost to a
nut-brown hue, and covered over with still darker freckles--the result
of constant exposure to the air and hot sun.

"Now, with all due respect for Miss Marian, I consider that we may find
a better name than any hitherto suggested," observed the skipper. "I
propose that our vessel be called the _Good Hope_. Although not yet
finished, we have `good hope' that she will be; and we have also `good
hope' that, escaping the Spanish cruisers, and storms and rocks and
shoals, she will carry us safely to Stabroek. What say you, Mr Paul?"

"The _Good Hope_--the _Good Hope_," said Uncle Paul, repeating the name
several times. "I like it. Yes, yes; it is a fitting name--a good
name. Our craft has been the result of faith in One who watches over
us--of skill and energy and perseverance; and such must always afford
`good hope' of success. What do you say, brother Dennis?"

"I have felt too often that I have bidden farewell to `hope' in any form
to venture on selecting such a name; and yet, if you are pleased so to
call our craft, I should be content to embark on board the _Good Hope_;
and should she carry us to civilised lands in safety, I might believe
once more that there is hope for me, even in this world," answered my
father.

I had been inclined to agree with Arthur; but as the elders of the party
seemed to consider that the name of _Good Hope_ was the proper one, I
voted for it, and Marian did likewise. Thus it was settled that our
vessel was to be called the _Good Hope_; and so we ever afterwards
designated her.

As she approached completion, the hunters were urged to be diligent in
endeavouring to procure the means of provisioning her for the voyage.
We at once built two kilns for drying fish and flesh, to assist the
preserving powers of the hot sun. Several large periecus were caught,
cut up, and dried in the sun, and then smoked; but though wholesome and
nutritious, they were not considered very palatable. As fruits and nuts
became ripe they were gathered in large quantities, and Marian exerted
her skill in drying the former.

"If I had some sugar, I would make a supply of preserves," she observed,
as she examined a basket of palm-fruit, and several varieties of plums,
which we had brought in. "I often assisted at home, and know perfectly
well how to manage."

I remembered one day having seen some long canes, which I took for
ordinary reeds, growi