re they were; but, from some remarks overheard by Bass,
Harry was afraid that they contemplated running off with the boat,
should they be detained much longer.

"If they make the attempt they will lose their lives to a certainty,"
observed old Tom, when Harry told him. "But I think better of them. We
will make them understand that we remain for the sake of the poor lady
and gentleman who have left their home in England to try and benefit the
ignorant savages, and that while they are in danger we should be cowards
to desert them."

The men acknowledged, when Tom spoke to them, that he was right, and
promised to remain contentedly to assist the missionary and his wife.

CHAPTER EIGHT.

ATTACK AND FLIGHT.

Old Tom and the three men had built a hut for themselves at a short
distance from the missionary's house, that they might not incommode him
and his wife. He, however, kindly insisted that the two lads should
continue their guests.

The more Harry saw of Mr Hart, the more anxious he became to assist
him, and in order to do so he commenced studying the language of the
natives.

"I wonder you take so much trouble, Harry," observed his companion Bass;
"it seems to me like labour lost, when we may at any moment be compelled
to run away."

"But I hope, if we do, we shall be able to return," said Harry. "I
think, of all the works in which man can engage, that of converting the
heathen, and instructing them in the truths of the gospel, is the first
and noblest. I would rather be employed in it than in any other. We
look with respect on a man who has saved the life of a fellow-creature;
but surely, as the soul is of infinitely more value than the body, it
must be infinitely more noble to be the means of saving souls. If it
were not for my mother and sister, I would rather remain out here and
labour with Mr Hart than return home. But still I feel that it is my
first duty to try and go back to England, that I may comfort my mother
and sister, should, as I fear is the case, the _Steadfast_ and all hands
have been lost."

"Each man to his task," answered Dickey; "but I should have thought that
you, who have a good chance of some day getting the command of a ship,
would have preferred remaining at sea, even should the _Steadfast_ be
lost."

"I have not given up all hopes of her even yet," answered Harry; "though
I cannot account for her not coming to look for us."

Harry was soon able to speak a few words to