visible to me also, and
beyond it, too plainly relieved against the clear blue of the sky, to
admit of doubt or illusion, were the high outlines of a tropical island,
clothed with verdure to its summit.

Again the little islander shouted joyously, and clasped his hands, while
the tears streamed down his olive cheeks.

He recognised his native island, the smallest and most easterly of the
three, of which his father was the chief. We should soon come in sight
of the remaining two, he said, which were lower, and lay to the north
and south of it; he explained that the appearance, like a low white line
running along the base of the island, was caused by the surf, bursting
upon a coral reef about a mile from the shore.

Here then, at last, was the land which we had at one time despaired of
ever beholding again, and now we were well assured that it was no airy
phantasm; yet strange as it may seem, our feelings were not those of
unmingled joy.

A thousand vague apprehensions and surmises of evil, began to suggest
themselves, as we approached this unknown shore, inhabited by savages,
and under the dominion of a savage. We doubted not that we might depend
upon the good-will, and friendly offices of the little native, but we
felt at the same time, that the influence of one so young, might prove
insufficient for our protection.

We were in some measure acquainted with the savage customs, the dark and
cruel rites, that prevailed among the Polynesian races generally, and
had often listened with horror, to the recital of what Arthur and his
uncle had themselves seen, of their bloody superstitions, and abominable
practices. As I looked into the faces of my companions, it was easy to
perceive that they were possessed by anxious and gloomy thoughts.

Meanwhile, the current continued to sweep us steadily onward toward the
shore, the outlines of which became every moment more distinct.
Occasionally a cloud drifted athwart the moon, and cast a soft shade
upon the sea, obscuring the view for a time; but when it had passed, the
land seemed to have drawn perceptibly nearer during the interval. At
length, when the night was far advanced, and the island was right before
us, at the distance of scarcely a mile, the native lad, who had been
gazing wistfully toward it for the last half-hour, uttered a plaintive
cry of disappointment. He had looked long and anxiously, for the
appearance of the two remaining islands of his father's group,