t dwell on the future--when suddenly the intense stillness of the
night was broken by a strangely familiar voice, which said, distinctly
and encouragingly, "_Je suis avec toi. Soit sans peur_. _Tu
reviendras_." I can never hope to describe my feelings at that moment.

It was not the voice of my father nor of my mother, yet it was certainly
the voice of some one I knew and loved, yet was unable to identify. The
night was strangely calm, and so startling was this mysterious message
that instinctively I leaped out of my hammock again, went outside and
called out several times, but, of course, nothing happened. From that
night, however, I never absolutely despaired, even when things looked
their very worst.

Two interminable years had passed away, when one day the weather suddenly
changed, and a terrible gale commenced to blow, which threatened almost
to wreck my little hut. One morning, a few days later, when the storm
had abated somewhat, I heard Bruno barking wildly on the beach. A few
seconds afterwards he came rushing into the hut, and would not rest until
I prepared to follow him outside. Before doing so, however, I picked up
an oar--I knew not why. I then followed my dog down to the beach,
wondering what could possibly have caused him to make such a fuss. The
sea was somewhat agitated, and as it was not yet very light, I could not
clearly distinguish things in the distance.

On peering seawards for the third or fourth time, however, I fancied I
could make out a long, black object, which I concluded must be some kind
of a boat, tossing up and down on the billows. Then I must confess I
began to share Bruno's excitement,--particularly when a few minutes later
I discerned a well-made catamaran, _with several human figures lying
prostrate upon it_!

CHAPTER IV

I try to revive my visitors--Demonstrations of amazement--A variety
entertainment--Evil spirits in the mirror--"The star above my
home"--"Preliminary canter" with the boat--A joyful procession--"Good-bye
to my island home"--Nearing the main--Among the cannibals--Smoke
telegraphy--A weird audience--A nation meets me--My first palace.

My state of mind was perfectly indescribable. Here, I thought, are some
poor shipwrecked creatures like myself; and I prayed to God that I might
be the means of saving them. The prospect of having at length some one
to converse with filled me with unutterable joy, and I could hardly
restrain myself from rushi