en to the cries of these men whom they are putting to death," said
the Captain, turning his eyes away from the sickening sight. [1]

By means of signs the boatswain tried to incite the Chinamen to action.
They understood perfectly well what was wanted but remained passive,
for Lihoa reminded them of the warning of the God of the Golden Fish
not to engage in any strife.

"Leave the cowards to their fate," said Gray. "We'll take the single
cask of water, the salted meat and hardtack which we fished out of the
sea and get out of here tonight secretly."

The sailors to a man agreed to this plan, but as the boat would hold
only six persons the thing could not be managed. The Captain offered
to remain, and asked who was willing to stay with him. The helmsman
was the only one to signify his willingness to stay; the rest preferred
to settle the matter by drawing lots. According to this Redfox and
Gray were to remain, so the Captain appointed Green to direct the boat
to Australia.

"Green, you are the only man equal to the task, and I give my nephew
into your keeping. The boy's life must be saved. The dangers which
threaten you on this perilous trip are scarcely less than those which
we face here. Perhaps on some neighboring island you can get
drinking-water, perhaps you will fall in with some ship which will come
to our rescue. If we are here a month, yes, a week, even, without
drinking-water, what then? But as God wills. For my part I will
willingly offer my life as a sacrifice in atonement for the past. May
the best of fortune favor you, and may you save the life of my nephew.
The insurance on this boat all goes to him; and if you rescue him, send
him to Father Somazzo in Hongkong. If you cannot save us, come back
and see that our bones receive decent Christian burial."

Thus spoke the Captain. The helmsman, who would willingly have stayed
behind on the dreary reef, made ready for the trip and at midnight set
sail with the ebb of the tide.

[1] NOTE.--What is told here and in the following chapter concerning
the cannibals happened at the time that the "St. Paul" was wrecked on
the Island of Rossel in July, 1858. Compare this account with the one
found in Jos. Spillmann's story, called "Over the South Sea."

CHAPTER XII.

At Last.

Night had settled down. The Chinamen lay under their tents and
listened to what Lihoa spoke: "So far we have avoided discord; from the
sea we have been saved, and