" taken the precaution to notch the trees came," said our worthy friend; "without that precaution, you were in danger of being lost; but we my marks, which will lead us brook, and following its course safe "

"We saw no brook," remarked Fritz

" brook of excellent water, which missed in crossing the forest; had ascended the course stream, reached the hut which contains your dear friends; the brook runs before it "

Fritz struck his forehead with vexation

"God orders all best," said I good priest; "we have met ; we without Ernest; you sought us all day in vain Ah ! good man, under your holy auspices family ought to meet, to increase our happiness Now please me"--

"But first," interrupted Fritz, "pray tell me how Jack is ? wounded, and"--

"Be composed, young man," said the calm man of God; "the wound, which he confesses he owes own imprudence, no evil consequences; the savages had applied some healing herbs , but necessary to extract small ball, an operation which I performed yesterday evening Since then he suffers less; and soon well, when his anxiety about you is relieved "

Fritz embraced the kind missionary, entreating his pardon rashness, and adding, "Did my brother talk of us, sir ? "

" ," answered his friend; "but acquainted before; your mother talked continually of her husband and children What mingled pain and delight she felt yesterday evening savages brought to her dear Jack, wounded ! fortunately hut to comfort her, and assist her beloved boy "

"And dear Francis," said I, "how rejoiced his brother again ! "

"Francis," said the missionary, smiling, " the protector of you all He idol savages now; an idolatry permitted by Christianity "

We proceeded wood conversed, and at last reached the brook I had thousand questions to ask, and was very anxious how my wife and Francis brought island, and how they met missionary The five or six days we separated seemed five or six months We walked too quickly much information The English minister said little, and referred me to my wife and son for all details own noble mission less reserved

"Thank God," said he, " already succeeded in giving this people some notions of humanity They love their black friend_, call me, and willingly listen to my preaching, singing of some hymns When your little Francis was taken, he had his reed flageolet pocket, playing and graceful manners have so captivated them that with reluctance resign him The king is anxious to adopt him But alarm yourself, brother; to arrange all happily, divine assistance gained some power over them, avail myself of it year ago, have answered life prisoners; now I believe them in safety But yet to teach these simple children of nature, who listen only to her voice, and yield to every impression ! Their first impulse is good, but so unsteady that affection may suddenly change to hatred; inclined to theft, violent in their anger, yet generous and affectionate an instance abode where woman, more unfortunate than your wife, since she has lost her husband, has found an asylum "

silent, and question him farther subject We were approaching the arm sea where we had left our pinnace, and my heart, at ease rest, became now anxious solely for Ernest Sometimes the hills concealed the water ; Fritz climbed them, anxious to discover his brother, at last I heard him suddenly cry out "Ernest, Ernest . . "

answered by shouts, or rather howls, amongst which distinguish the voice son Terror seized me

"These are the islanders," said I missionary; "and these frightful cries . . "

"Are cries of joy," said he, "which increased see you This path will conduct us shore Call Fritz; but him; , doubtless, have descended the hill, and joined them Have no fears; recommend your sons prudent The black friend will speak black friends, and hear him "

We proceeded towards the shore, when, at some distance, I perceived my two sons deck pinnace, covered islanders, they were distributing the treasures chest, those we had put apart bag; they so imprudent open the chest itself, which would soon emptied; it remained snugly below the deck, powder-barrel At every new acquisition, the savages uttered cries of joy, repeating mona, mona_ signifying beautiful The mirrors were at first received most delight, but this soon changed into terror; they evidently conceived something magical , and flung them all sea The coloured glass beads had then the preference, but the distribution caused many disputes Those who obtained any, wished to deprive the rest by force The clamour and quarrelling were increasing, voice missionary was heard, and calmed them by enchantment All left the pinnace, and crowded round him; he harangued them in their own language, and pointed me out , naming me, me touatane_, , father_, which they repeated in their turn Some approached me, and rubbed their noses against mine, which, the pastor had informed me, was mark of respect mean time, Fritz had informed Ernest that his mother and brothers were found, and man who accompanied us was European Ernest received the intelligence with calm joy; only tears eyes discover his heart was affected; he leaped pinnace and came to thank the missionary I had my share gratitude too, for coming to seek him, before I had seen the dear lost ones

We had now of joining them We unanimously decided by water; first place, that bring our pinnace as near as possible to my dear Elizabeth, who was still suffering from her fall, her forced voyage, and, above all, from her anxiety; besides, I confess that little fatigue, and reluctantly set out to cross the wood third time; but, , assured the promptest mode of reaching our friends, and this alone decided me The pinnace was then loosened, the sail set, and we entered with thankfulness Dreading the agitation wife if she saw us suddenly, I entreated our new friend to precede us, and prepare her He consented; but, as coming on board, suddenly stopped natives, and addressed him for The missionary listened till he had concluded, with calmness and dignity; then, turning , --

" answer , brother, the request which Parabéry makes: he wishes me, name whole, to wait for their chief, they give the title of king Bara-ourou_, as called, has assembled them here for ceremony, at which all his warriors must assist anxious to attend, fearing it sacrifice idols, which always strongly opposed, and wishing to seize this occasion to declare the one true God Bara-ourou wicked, and to succeed in touching his heart, enlightening his mind, and converting him to Christianity; his example would certainly be followed greatest part subjects, much attached to him Your presence, name of God uttered , fervour and attitude of profound veneration and devotion, may aid this work of charity and love sufficient self-command to delay, for perhaps few hours, the meeting with your family ? Your wife and children, not expecting you, will not suffer from suspense agree , conduct you , and return, , to fulfil my duty I wait your decision to reply to Parabéry, already sufficiently acquainted truth, to desire that his king brethren should know it also "

Such were the words true servant of God; but do justice expression heavenly countenance Mr Willis, for such was his name, was forty-five or fifty , tall and thin; the labours and fatigues divine vocation had, more than years, left their traces noble figure and countenance; he stooped little, his open and elevated forehead was slightly wrinkled, thin hair was prematurely grey; his clear blue eyes were full of intelligence and kindness, reading your thoughts, and showing you all his own He usually kept his arms folded over his breast, and was very calm in speaking; but when his extended hand pointed to heaven, the effect was irresistible; one thought the very glory he spoke of His simple words seemed message from God, and it impossible to resist him indeed sacrifice; but it without hesitation I glanced at my sons, who had their eyes cast down; but Fritz knitting his brows " stay , father," said I, "happy if assist you in fulfilling your sacred duties "

"And you, young people," said he, " same opinion ? "

Fritz came forward, and frankly said, "Sir, , unfortunately, I who wounded my brother Jack; he generous enough to conceal this; you extracted the ball which I discharged into his shoulder; I owe his life , and mine is at your disposal; refuse you nothing; and, however impatient, remain "

"I repeat the same," said Ernest; "you protected our mother and brothers, and, by God's permission, you restore them all remain ; you shall fix the time meeting, which will not, I trust, be long delayed "