om Mr Bent. It
was almost concluded, when a heathen chief, an old friend of the king, I
found, rushed breathless into the building, announcing that a large
fleet of double canoes was approaching the island,--that it was that of
the cannibal chief to whom Alea was betrothed, coming undoubtedly with
hostile intent.

"How far off are the canoes?" asked the king.

"Some distance as yet," was the answer.

"Then we will pray for protection from One mighty to save," exclaimed
the king. "We shall now judge which is the most powerful,--Jehovah,
whom we have lately learned to worship, or the false gods whom we have
cast away."

None of the people moved from their places. The missionary concluded
his discourse, and then offered up an earnest prayer for protection from
all dangers, to which every one present repeated a loud Amen. They then
moved in an orderly manner out of the church, when the greater number
hurried up the hill, whence they could see the approaching canoes. Of
these there were some fifteen or twenty of different sizes, but most of
them large enough to contain a hundred men at least. They were making
for a sandy point some way from the town or settlement, where we
concluded the enemy would land. I could see with my glass the warriors
dancing, and shaking their spears, and gesticulating violently, in a way
intended to insult those they had come to attack, and to strike terror
into their hearts. A council of war was now held. It was believed that
the enemy would not attempt to make an attack that night, but would wait
till the morning; still it was necessary to be prepared. The warriors
accordingly armed themselves, and assembled in strong bodies under their
different leaders. It was a difficult position for Mr Bent and me.
He, however, at once stated that he could not assist our friends except
by his advice and prayers, but he told me that I might act as I thought
fit. Should I fight, or should I not? There was a sore conflict within
me. My inclinations prompted me to fight, but my new-born principles
taught me to pray rather than to fight, where not called on positively
by duty to do so. In either case, my example might be of service. I
prayed (as all men in a difficulty should pray) to be guided aright. I
decided to remain with the missionary, and use every means to stay the
fight, or to mitigate its horrors should it take place.

"I am glad, my son, that you have so resolved," remarked Mr Ben