it was found that when he stepped out of her he had given her a
shove, and sent her drifting away, and she was nowhere to be seen.

The next morning Jack went on shore to communicate with the acting
consul, who acknowledged that he had had information on the subject; but
though aware that several vessels had been fitted out for the purpose
mentioned, he had been unable to take any steps for putting a stop to
their proceedings.

"Then I must see what we can do!" exclaimed Jack indignantly.

"If we can find out from what islands people have been taken, and the
inhabitants ask for our protection, we shall have the right to afford
them all the assistance in our power. You may be very certain, should
you seize any vessels engaged in carrying off the natives, no one will
interfere; for their Government, even should they be aware of their
proceedings, will not dare to acknowledge that they are so, or protect
them; and I am very sure that the French will be ready to assist in
capturing the villains who may have ventured to visit any of the islands
under their rule," observed the consul.

"Then I will go to Tahiti, and ascertain what the French Government
knows about the matter," said Jack; "possibly on my way I may fall in
with some of the kidnappers, and it will be a satisfaction to release
the slaves they may have taken, and to put a stop to their proceedings."

That evening the ship sailed for the westward. A look-out was kept for
any craft which might answer to Hake's description of the vessels
engaged in the traffic. The _Dragon_ had been nearly three weeks at sea
when a vessel was seen ahead steering to the eastward. As she drew
nearer, she was seen to be a brigantine, and Hake declared that she was
one of the vessels sent out to collect natives. Hopes were entertained
that she might have some on board, and that they should have the
pleasure of releasing them and taking them back to their homes, if such
could be found. As the _Dragon_ drew nearer, Jack made a signal for the
stranger to heave-to; and as she did not appear to understand it, he
fired a shot across her bows, which had the desired effect. A boat was
lowered, and Jos Green, with Tom and Archie, were sent to examine her,
and should natives be found, to bring her close up to the ship, so that
they might be transferred on board.

Jos and his companions pulled away in high glee, fully hoping that they
should have the satisfaction of liberating some of