. The people, though they knew the danger they
themselves ran by remaining, would not commence their flight till they
had seen their white friends, whom they hurried down to the beach, safe
on board. At the same time, some of them carried the provisions which
had been prepared on board, while others brought from their own stores a
still further supply, and would have added more, had not old Tom assured
them that the boat was already overloaded. She had just been launched
into deep water, when one of the scouts came hurrying back with the
intelligence that the savages were close to the village, and that there
was but little time for their countrymen to make their escape. While
the Christian natives hurried off in the direction of the mountains, the
boat pulled away from the shore towards the passage which led into the
open sea.

The night was cloudy and dark, but a strong breeze was blowing, which
sent the surf high over the reef, so that the passage could easily be
distinguished. Mr Hart, even to the last, was very unwilling to desert
his station, and begged old Tom to remain inside the lagoon till they
could see what would happen. They were not left long in doubt, for a
few minutes only had elapsed after they had quitted the beach when
fearful shouts and yells rent the air. The savages, expecting to entrap
their victims, had evidently surrounded the village, and were rushing
forward with the intention of putting all within it to death.

In a short time torches which they had lighted were seen flaring up,
their glare being cast on the tall trees and rocks and the sides of the
hills, as they rushed forward to throw them into the buildings. In a
few seconds more the whole village was in a blaze, and burning
furiously. The dark figures of the savages could be seen as they stood
ready with uplifted weapons to strike those whom they expected to issue
forth. Their rage and disappointment must have been great when no one
appeared. The delay, however, it was hoped, would enable the fugitives
to escape to their proposed hiding-places. As the bright light from the
burning buildings shed a glare over the water, at length the savages
perceived the boat, and rushed down to the beach, shouting loudly to
those in her to return, some darting their spears, and others shooting
arrows towards her. She was happily too far off for the weapons to
reach her.

"The heathens have been allowed to triumph for a time," said Mr Hart.