There were neither trees nor rocks desert shore fasten the pinnace; but, to our great delight and encouragement, , at short distance landing-place, bark canoe, which my sons were certain Jack carried off We entered it, but at first saw only the oars; at last, however, Ernest discovered, water which half filled the canoe, part of handkerchief, stained with blood, which they recognized as belonging to Jack This discovery, which relieved our doubts, caused Fritz to shed tears of joy We were certainly track robbers, and might trust proceeded farther with their barbarity sand, and boat, some cocoa-nut shells and fish-bones, which satisfied us nature repasts We resolved our search interior country, following the traces steps savages find any traces of Jack's foot, which alarmed us, if Fritz suggested had carried him, on account wound We were about to set out, thoughts pinnace came over us; more than ever necessary to preserve this, our only means of return, and which moreover contained our goods for ransom, our ammunition, provisions, still untouched, for some bread-fruit Fritz had gathered, some muscles, and small, but excellent, oysters, sufficient fortunate that we had brought some gourds of water , for we met with any We decided necessary to leave party to guard the precious pinnace, though but an insufficient and dangerous defence, approach natives My recent bereavements made me tremble idea of leaving either sons yet reflect agony moment without horror--yet it sole means to secure our vessel; not creek or tree to hide it, situation canoe made it certain the savages must return there to embark My children knew my thoughts, distracted glances I alternately regarded them pinnace, and, after consulting 's looks, Ernest said--

"The pinnace must not remain here unguarded, father, taken, or, at any rate, pillaged natives, return for their canoe Either all wait till , or leave me to defend it , Fritz, that endure to remain here "

, Fritz impatiently stamped foot, saying--

"I confess, remain here; Jack dying wound, and every moment is precious seek him--find him--and save him ! presentiment ; and if I discover him, as I expect, hands savages, the way to release him, and them carrying off our pinnace "

daring youth, heat exasperation, exposed alone horde of barbarians, might also become their victim that my presence was necessary to restrain and aid him; and I decided, with heavy heart, to leave Ernest alone to protect the vessel His calm and cool manner made it less dangerous for him to meet the natives several words language, and had read mode of addressing and conciliating them He promised me prudent, which his elder brother We took the bag of toys which Fritz had brought, and left those chest, to use if necessary; and, praying blessing of Heaven on my son, we left him My sorrow was great; but no longer child, character encouraged me Fritz embraced his brother, and promised him to bring Jack back in safety

* * * * *

CHAPTER LII

After having traversed for desert, sandy plain without meeting living creature, we arrived at thick wood, where we lost the traces we had carefully followed We were obliged to direct our course by chance, keeping no fixed road, but advancing interwoven branches permitted us The wood was alive most beautiful birds of brilliant and varied plumage; but, anxious and distressed state, we more interested in seeing savage than bird We passed at last through these verdant groves, and reached an arid plain extending shore We again discovered numerous footsteps; and, whilst we were observing them, we saw large canoe pass rapidly, filled with islanders: and that, distance, recognize the canoe we had built, and which they had robbed us of Fritz wished to swim after them, and was beginning to undress himself, and I only stopped him by declaring that if , follow him, as I had decided not separated I even proposed that return to Ernest, as of opinion savages would stop place where we had disembarked, away the boat they had left, and then, words Ernest had acquired, learn what had become wife and children Fritz agreed , though he still persisted easiest and quickest mode of return by swimming We were endeavouring to retrace our road, when, to our great astonishment, we saw, at few yards' distance, man clothed in long black robe advancing towards us, whom we immediately recognized as European

"Either greatly deceived," said I, "or missionary, worthy servant of God, come into these remote regions Him known wretched idolators "

We hastened to him not wrong one zealous and courageous Christians who devote their energies and their lives instruction and eternal salvation of men born in another hemisphere, of another colour, uncivilized, but not less our brothers I had quitted Europe same intention, but Providence had ordered it otherwise; yet I met with joy one Christian brethren, and, unable from emotion, I silently embraced him He spoke in English--a language I had fortunately learned myself, and taught to my children-- words fell on my soul like the message angel to Abraham, commanding him to spare his son

" the person seeking," said he, in mild and tender tone, "and I thank Heaven that met This youth is Fritz, your eldest son, I conclude; but where left your second son, Ernest ? "

"Reverend man," cried Fritz, seizing his hands, " seen my brother Jack Perhaps my mother ? where Oh ! are they living ? "

"Yes, living, and well taken care of," said the missionary; "come, lead you "

, indeed, necessary to lead me; so overcome with joy, that fainted, but the good missionary made me inhale some volatile salts which he had about him; and supported by him and my son, I managed to walk My first words were thanksgiving to God mercy; then I implored my good friend me if indeed see my wife and children again He assured me that an hour's walk would bring me ; but I suddenly recollected Ernest, and refused myself beloved ones while still in danger The missionary smiled, as me he expected this delay, and wished where we had left Ernest I recounted to him our arrival island, purpose we had left Ernest; intention of returning to him we saw the canoe pass, hoping to obtain some intelligence savages

"But how could you yourselves understood ? " said he; " acquainted with their language ? "

him Ernest had studied the vocabulary South Sea islanders

"Doubtless that of Tahiti, or the Friendly Islands," said he; "but the dialect islanders differs much from theirs resided here more than year, studied it, so of use ; go did you come ? "