epeat the concluding sentences.

"Well, then, Dom, it's agreed on, that we are to go on as if we knew
nothing about this matter, and take no notice of it whatever to any
one--not even to Pina."

"Yes, Otto, that's it. Of course I don't like to have any sort of
secret from Pina, but it would be cruel in us to fill her mind with
alarm for no good purpose. No--mum's the word. Take no notice
whatever. Morris may repent. Give him the benefit of the doubt, or the
hope."

"Very well, Dom, mum shall be the word."

Having thus for the time being disposed of a troublesome subject, the
brothers returned to the place where the emigrants were encamped.

Here all was wild confusion and harmony. Lest this should appear
contradictory, we must explain that the confusion was only physical, and
addressed to the eye. The emigrants, who were busy as ants, had already
disembarked large quantities of their goods, which were scattered about
in various heaps between the landing-place and the encampment. The
harmony, on the other hand, was mental and spiritual, for as yet there
had been no time for conflicting interests to arise, and the people were
all so busy that they had not leisure to disagree.

Besides, the weather being splendidly bright and warm was conducive to
good-humour. It will be remembered also that Hugh Morris and his
friends had resolved to remain quiet for the present. Perhaps the
effect of the ghostly visitation might have had some influence in
restraining their turbulent spirits.

At all events, be this as it may, when Dominick and Otto came upon the
scene everything was progressing pleasantly. The male emigrants were
running between the beach and the camp with heavy burdens on their
shoulders. The females were busy washing and mending garments, which
stood sorely in need of their attention, or tending the sick and what
Otto styled the infantry. The sailors were engaged, some in
transporting goods from the wreck to the shore, others in piloting two
of the large boats through the reef into the lagoon, and the larger
children were romping joyously in the thickets and trying to climb the
cocoa-nut trees, while the smaller fry were rolling helplessly on the
sands--watched, more or less, by mothers and big sisters.

Chief among those who piloted the large boats through the passage in the
reef was Hugh Morris. He took careful observations and soundings as he
went along, not that such were needed for the safet