though he is one of the greatest sovereigns on earth,
and that all men bow down to and fear him, he will grant our request.
There he sits, a naked black savage, benighted and ignorant in the
extreme; and yet such is his opinion of himself. I cannot help
thinking, as I look at him, that I have seen civilised men almost as
well contented with themselves with as little cause. We do not find any
of our men inclined to straggle, after what they have seen. We hurry
down to the beach. The boat has been left hauled off at some distance,
under charge of three men, well armed. They pull in when they see us,
and say that they are not a little glad to find us safe, for that many
canoes with fierce-looking savages have been paddling round and round
them, the cannibals showing their white teeth, and making signs that
they would like to eat them. Whether this is only the fancy of our men
I cannot say. Even Golding, when we get on board, looks pale and says
little. It seems to me as if Satan had truly taken possession of the
people of these islands, for Bent tells me that the scenes we have
witnessed are only such as occur constantly.

We keep a watchful look-out all night, ready for action at a moment's
notice. Again we visit the shore, armed as yesterday. Preparations are
making to build a house for the new chief. The four uprights for the
corners are already placed in large holes dug deep into the earth. In
each hole stands a living man bound to the post, with upturned eyes
gazing at the light of day. What is our horror to see parties of
savages begin to throw in the earth upon them. It covers their breasts,
their shoulders, and rises up, the hapless wretches still breathing,
till the tops of their heads are concealed, and then with eager haste
the murderous wretches stamp down the ground over them. Taro tells us
the savages say that the spirits of the dead men will guard the house,
so that no evil will befall its inmates. Truly I shall be glad to be
clear of this land of horrors, yet it is a fruitful land, and one
producing a variety of articles for barter. With cocoa-nut oil alone we
could quickly load our vessel, and with the population these islands
possess, what numberless other tropical productions might they not
furnish, if means could be found to civilise the people!

CHAPTER EIGHT.

IN PERILS VARIOUS.

Again we go on shore, armed as yesterday. The men cast uneasy glances
around, and show no inclina