our will take my advice, you'll shove off
as soon as it is calm enough to put to sea."

"We can't go without food, and it will take us some time to collect
enough to last till we find the ship," said Green.

"Then I'll tell my friends that they must bring us some, for not a rap
of salary have I had since I became prime minister, and if they were to
load the boats up to the thwarts, I shouldn't be overpaid for the good I
have done the state," said Pat; and, flourishing his axe in the fashion
he had found so effective, he made his way back to where the blacks were
now seated on the ground, discussing apparently some important matter or
other. The chief listened to him for some time, and he and his people
then getting up disappeared among the trees in the distance.

"I've done it, yer honour," said Pat, who quickly returned; "they'll
soon be back with as much we can require for some days to come."

While the savages were away, a fire was lighted, and the remainder of
the shell-fish and the birds which Tom had shot were cooked. The boats
were also got ready, so that they might put to sea as soon as the
provisions arrived, or, in case the natives after all should prove
treacherous, shove off at a moment's notice. Green knew well the danger
of an encounter with savages armed with poisoned arrows; a shower of
such arrows might wound every one of the party, and he was aware that
even slight hurts might prove fatal. At length the blacks made their
appearance, carrying baskets containing taro, cocoanut, several other
roots and fruits, and some fish of various sizes. By Pat's directions
they were placed on the ground, when Green, not wishing to take them
without payment, collected some handkerchiefs and clasp-knives and a few
other articles, which he desired Pat to convey to the chief. This
unexpected gift afforded intense satisfaction to the savages, who would
have rushed forward and rubbed noses with the strangers, had not Pat
hinted to his friends that such a proceeding would not be appreciated by
the white men. The blacks, having set down their baskets, retired, and
they were forthwith conveyed to the boats. While the natives were
absent, Tom had wisely refilled the breakers.

"Now's your time, yer honour," cried Casey, who feared that his friends
might suspect his intention of leaving them. The men, by Green's
directions, retired quietly to the boats, Pat trying to keep himself
concealed among them; and while the