with thee, Peter," she said, clapping her hands with
pleasure. "It is all I ask. But if we would not be followed by war
canoes, which could easily overtake us, we must use much cunning in the
manner of our going."

We then took counsel together, when Melannie advised that our best
chance to escape would be at the time of the coming of the snake god.
When the monster appeared, and for three days afterward, while it
remained in the coral cave, the savages would be held to the spot by
their traditions from which nothing would induce them to depart. We
might then slip away unobserved, and be out of sight of land before the
ceremonies in connexion with the sacrifice were over. This appearing to
be our opportunity, we at once set about making preparations. From a
stream near the cave I filled the boat's water-tank, and we collected a
quantity of coconuts, bananas, and other fruits, which we stowed on
board; nor did I forget to take some of the largest gems from the
treasure cave, which I stuffed into my belt with the others. The gold I
did not touch. It was heavy to carry, and its transport might have
caused suspicion. We also launched the boat, with some difficulty, into
a natural boat harbour formed by a coral reef, so that no time might be
lost in getting away. All being ready, we waited impatiently for the
day upon which we had planned to set out upon our voyage.

During this time I observed a change upon the mountain in the centre of
the island. The smoke cloud, which always hovered over it, had
increased until it hung like a funeral pall over the top of the
volcano. Loud rumblings also were heard like distant thunder, while
earth tremors were constantly felt. I mentioned these matters to
Melannie, but she did not appear to attach any importance to them.

"The mountain was always like that," she said. "Perhaps the evil
spirits who live there are angry." But I knew from my reading and
experience that these signs and portents were such as heralded an
eruption. In the excitement of leaving the island, however, I forgot my
anxieties with regard to the volcano.

I now questioned Melannie with regard to the white stranger whose
coming had saved me from being offered as a sacrifice to the snake god.
At first she refused to tell me anything concerning him, but when I
pressed her she conducted me to a cavern in which the captive was
confined. The door of this dungeon was a swinging rock, which Melannie
caused to open by some