They found an ample
meal provided for them. She told them that her name was Kapoiolani,
that she was the wife of one of the chief men of the island, who had
gone away on a preaching tour with the missionary by whose means she and
her husband had been taught the truth, and begged Tom and the boys to
remain till their return. This they were very glad to do, as they still
felt weary, and Bass complained of aches in all his limbs.

At every hour of the day people were coming in to receive instructions
from Kapoiolani, who was evidently better acquainted with the truths of
Christianity than her neighbours. She had for some time accepted the
gospel, and showed the deepest earnestness and zeal in making it known
to others.

"If people at home, who profess to be true Christians, were as anxious
as this lady is to teach others, there would not be so many poor men and
women who sink into their graves without ever having heard of the love
of Christ for sinners," observed old Tom. "She puts many civilised
people to shame."

"But in England there are regular ministers to do that sort of work,"
observed Harry.

"Every one who loves Christ is a regular minister, to my mind," answered
Tom; "and is bound, when he can find the opportunity, to tell others
that Christ died for them, and that His blood cleanseth from all sin."

"I hope that I may be able to find opportunities when I get home; though
I don't think I shall be able to preach," said Harry.

"You must make opportunities," answered Tom. "You can preach in your
life and daily conversation, in gently speaking a word to those among
whom you mix. Souls are won to Christ as much by that as by preachers
in their pulpits; and the only object of preaching is to win souls."

Two days passed by, when the chief, Kapoiolani's husband, returned,
saying that the missionary had gone on with some other friend to a
distant part of the island.

Naihi, the chief, seemed as zealous and earnest as his wife; and as he
spoke more English than she could, he was able to give his guests a
considerable amount of information about the island. He told them that
the larger portion of the inhabitants were still heathens, and
worshippers of their great goddess, Pele, whose abode, he said, they
supposed was in the lofty volcano.

"There is need without delay to preach the gospel to them, for our
people are rapidly passing away; and unless we hasten they may sink into
their graves still ignoran