ady to join him in the work. He was not mistaken in the zeal of his
friends, "When souls are to be saved, and the glorious tidings of
salvation to sinners to be conveyed, we are ready to go," they answered.

The schooner was therefore at once put about, and a course at once
steered for the island. They were all curious to see how the wild
natives would take their speedy return, and whether the missionary would
be able to communicate with them, though he seemed to have no doubt on
the subject. The next day the schooner dropped her anchor in the
sheltered bay she had lately left. The natives were seen assembling
from all quarters, and soon a large number collected on the beach.

Charley and Elton, Mark, the missionary,--for so he was called--and two
other natives, went in the boat. Instead of pulling at once for the
beach, the missionary begged to be landed at a point where some trees
grew. From these he cut down some branches and distributed them among
the party, when the boat was steered in for the place where the natives
were collected. The branches were waved as the boat approached the
beach, when the natives were seen cutting down branches and waving them
in return. "It's all right," exclaimed the missionary, in a cheerful
voice; "we shall be friends."

He then shouted to the natives, who replied in the same language; and
without landing, as the stem touched the sand, he began an address,
which appeared from his tones to be full of eloquence. They listened to
it with profound attention, and then several of them stretched out their
hands, and gave indubitable signs that they were eager to welcome him on
shore. He and his companions accordingly landed, and were surrounded by
the natives, who appeared as eager to listen as before. Captain Blount
determined, however, to remain till the following day, as he had heard
that these island savages were seldom to be trusted, and that, though
they might appear friendly at one time, the next instant they might turn
round and destroy those who had trusted them.

The night was an anxious one to Charley and his friends, as well as to
the natives on board; but the next morning, when they went on shore,
Mark gave so good a report of the islanders, that the whole of the
strangers agreed to land and remain. Mark, however, recommended one
young man, who understood English, though he could not speak it, to
continue on board the _Good Hope_, that he might tell the natives of