ul island, with rocks and trees and
mountains in the centre, appeared about two miles ahead; but it was
surrounded by a reef, over which the sea dashed in masses of foam,
barring their approach to the shore.

"Never fear, boys, we shall find a passage through it," said old Tom.

They sailed on, and in a short time the expected passage was seen, the
water shining calm and blue within it.

They glided on towards a bay, beyond which a valley opened up into the
interior of the country. On one side, on the slope of a hill, appeared
a few neat cottages, and among them a building of larger size.

"If my eyes don't deceive me, that's a chapel!" exclaimed old Tom; "and
where there is a chapel there will be Christians, and we shall be
received by them as friends."

The men roused up on hearing this, for in their despair they believed
that on landing they should be murdered like their companions.

Old Tom steered without hesitation towards the cottages. As they
approached, several persons were seen coming down to the beach. Two
were in European costume, one of whom was a woman, while most of the
rest were dressed in shirts and trousers. Before the boat's keel had
touched the shore, several of the latter came rushing forward into the
water; and, seeing the condition of those on board, they carefully
lifted them out, and bore them to the shore in their arms. The white
people, who were at once recognised by old Tom as missionaries, kindly
pressing his hand, invited him and his companions to their house.

"We will not ask questions now," they said; "your appearance shows the
sufferings you have endured."

The natives, receiving directions from the missionary, again lifted them
up, and followed him, while his wife hastened on with two native girls
to make preparations for their reception.

Food and water were, however, what they most required.

"I can allow you to partake of them but sparingly at first," observed
the missionary. "God's greatest blessings are too often abused by being
enjoyed in excess."

Harry and old Tom thanked him, and said they did not wish for more than
would be beneficial; but the men grumbled at not being allowed to have
as much as they could devour, when they were so hungry. Poor Dickey was
unable to speak, and could scarcely eat the food given to him.

The missionary, who told them that his name was Hart, and that he and
his wife had resided scarcely a year on the island, showed them the
g