 CHAPTER 30 THE NATIVE TEACHER AWFUL REVELATIONS WONDERFUL EFFECTS OF CHRISTIANITY Our voyage during the next two weeks was most interesting and prosperous. The breeze continued generally fair and at all times enable us to lie our course. For being, as I have said before, clipper-built, the pirate schooner could lie very close to the wind and make little leeway. We had no difficulty now in managing our sails, for Jack was heavy and powerful, while Peterkin was active as a kitten. Still, however, we were a very insufficient crew for such a vessel, and if anyone had proposed to us to make such a voyage in it before we had been forced to go through so many hardships from necessity, we would have turned away with pity from the individual making such a proposal as from a madman. I pondered this a good deal, and at last concluded that men do not know how much they are capable of doing till they try, and that we should never give way to despair in any undertaking, however difficult it may seem, always supposing, however, that our cause is a good one and that we can ask the Divine blessing on it. Although therefore we could now manage our sails easily, we nevertheless found that my pulleys were of much service to us in some things, though Jack did laugh heartily at the uncouth arrangement of ropes and blocks, which had to a sailor's eye a very lumbering and clumsy appearance. But I will not drag my reader through the details of this voyage. Suffice it to say, after an agreeable sail of about three weeks, we arrived off the island of Mango, which I recognized at once from the description that the pirate bill had given me of it during one of our conversations. As soon as we came within sight of it, we hobed the ship to and held the council of war. Now, boys, said Jack as we seated ourselves beside him on the cabin skylight, before we go further in this business we must go over the pros and cons of it, for although you have so generously consented to stick by me through thick and thin, it would be unfair did I not see that you thoroughly understand the danger of what we are about to attempt. Oh, bother the danger, cried Peterkin. I wonder to hear you, Jack, talk of danger. When a fellow begins to talk about it, he'll soon come to magnify it to such a degree that he'll not be fit to face it when it comes. No more than a suckin' baby. Nay, Peterkin, replied Jack gravely, I won't be just it out of it. I grant you that when we once resolved to act and have made up our minds what to do, we should think no more of danger. But before we have so resolved, it behoves us to look it straight in the face and examine into it and walk round it, for if we flinch at a distant view we're sure to run away when the danger is near. Now, I understand from you, Ralph, that the island is inhabited by thoroughgoing, out-and-out cannibals, whose principle law is, might is right, and the weakest goes to the wall? Yes, said I, so Bill gave me to understand. He told me, however, that at the southern side of it the missionaries had obtained a footing amongst an insignificant tribe. A native teacher had been sent there by the Wesleyans, who had succeeded in persuading the chief at that part to embrace Christianity. But instead of that being of any advantage to our enterprise, it seems the very reverse. For the chief tarot is a determined heathen, and persecutes the Christians, who are far too weak in numbers to offer any resistance, and looks with disdain upon all white men, whom he regards as propagators of the new faith. Tisapiti, said Jack, that the Christian tribe is so small, for we shall scarcely be safe under their protection, I fear. If tarot takes it into his head to wish for our vessel, or to kill ourselves, he could take us from them by force. You say that the native missionary talks English? So I believe. Then what I propose is this, said Jack. We will run around to the south side of the island, and cast anchor off the Christian village. We are too far away just now to have been described by any of the savages, so we shall get there unobserved, and have time to arrange our plans before the heathen tribes know of our presence. But in doing this, we run the risk of being captured by the ill-disposed tribes, and being very ill-used. If not roasted alive and eaten, cried Peterkin, come out with it, Jack. According to your own showing, it's well to look the danger straight in the face. Well, that is the worst of it, certainly. Are you prepared, then, to take your chance of that? I've been prepared and had my mind made up long ago, cried Peterkin, swaggering about the deck with his hands thrust into his breeches' pockets. The fact is, Jack, I don't believe that tarot will be so ungrateful as to eat us, and I'm quite sure that he'll be too happy to grant us whatever we ask, so the sooner we go in and win, the better. Peterkin was wrong, however, in his estimate of savage gratitude, as the sequel will show. The schooner was now put before the wind, and after making a long run to the southward, we put about and beat up for the south side of Mango, where we arrived before sunset, and hoe to off the coral reef. Here we awaited the arrival of a canoe which immediately put off on our rounding too. When it arrived, a mild-looking native of apparently forty years of age came on board and taking off his straw hat made us a low bow. He was clad in a respectable suit of European clothes, and the first words he uttered as he stepped up to Jack and shook hands with him were, Good day, gentlemen. We are happy to see you at Mango. You are heartily welcome. After returning his salutation, Jack exclaimed, You must be the native missionary teacher of whom I have heard. Are you not? I am. I have the joy to be a servant of the Lord Jesus at this station. You're the very man I want to see, then, replied Jack. That's lucky. Come down to the cabin, friend, and have a glass of wine. I wish particularly to speak with you. My men there, pointing to Peterkin and me, will look after your people. Thank you, said the teacher, as he followed Jack to the cabin. I do not drink wine or any strong drink. Oh, then there's lots of water, and you can have biscuits. Now, upon my word, that's cool, said Peterkin, his men forsooth. Well, since we are to be men, we may as well come it as strong over these black chaps as we can. Hello there, he cried to the half-dozen of natives who stood upon the deck, gazing in wonder at all they saw. Here's for you, and he'd handed them a tray of broken biscuits and a can of water. Then, thrusting his hands into his pockets, he walked up and down the deck with an enormous swagger, whistling vociferously. In about half an hour, Jack and the teacher came on deck, and the latter, bidding us a cheerful good evening, entered his canoe and paddled to the shore. When he was gone, Peterkin stepped up to Jack, and, touching his cap, said, Well, Captain, have you any communications to make to your men? Yes, cried Jack, ready about, mine the helm, and clue up your tongue, while I conned the schooner through the passage in the reef. The teacher, who seems a first-rate fellow, says it's quite deep and good anchorage within the lagoon close to the shore. While the vessel was slowly advancing to her anchorage under a light breeze, Jack explained to us that Avatay was still on the island, living amongst the heathens, that she had expressed a strong desire to join the Christians, but Tarot would not let her, and kept her constantly in close confinement. Moreover, continued Jack. I find that she belongs to one of the Samoan Islands, where Christianity had been introduced long before her capture by the heathens of a neighboring island, and the very day after she was taken she was to have joined the church which had been planted there by that excellent body, the London Missionary Society. The teacher tells me, too, that the poor girl has fallen in love with a Christian chief who lives on an island some fifty miles or so to the south of this one, and that she is meditating a desperate attempt at escape. So you see, we have come in the nick of time. I fancy that this chief is the fellow whom you have heard of, Ralph, at the island of Emo. Besides all this, the heathens' savages are at war among themselves, and there is to be a battle-thought the day after tomorrow, in which the principal leader is Tarot, so that we will not be able to commence our negotiations with the rascally chief till the day after. The village off which we anchored was beautifully situated at the head of a small bay, from the margin of which trees of every description peculiar to the tropics rose in the richest luxuriance to the summit of a hilly ridge, which was the line of demarcation between the possessions of the Christians and those of the neighboring heathen chief. The site of the settlement was an extensive plot of flat land stretching in a gentle slope from the sea to the mountain. The cottages stood several hundred yards from the beach, and were protected from the glare of the sea by the rich foliage of rows of large barringtonia and other trees which girt the shore. The village was about a mile in length and perfectly straight, with a wide row down the middle on either side of which were rows of the tufted top tea tree, whose delicate and beautiful blossoms hanging beneath their plumed crusted tops added richness to the scene. The cottages of the natives were built beneath these trees and were kept in the most excellent order, each having a little garden in front tastefully laid out and planted, while the walks were covered with black and white pebbles. Every house had doors and Venetian windows painted partly with lamp black made from the candle nut and partly with red ochre, which contrasted powerfully with a dazzling coral line that covered the walls. On a prominent position stood a handsome church, which was quite a curiosity in its way. It was a hundred feet long by fifty broad and was seated throughout to accommodate upwards of two thousand persons. It had six large folding doors and twelve windows with Venetian blinds, and although a large and substantial edifice it had been built, we were told by the teacher, in the space of two months. There was not a single iron nail in the fabric, and the natives had constructed it chiefly with their stone and bone axes and other tools, having only one or two axes or tools of European manufacture. Everything around this beautiful spot wore an aspect of peace and plenty, and as we dropped our anchor within a stone's cast of the substantial coral wharf, I could not avoid contrasting it with the wretched village of Emo, where I had witnessed so many frightful scenes. When the teacher afterwards told me that the people of this tribe had become converns only a year previous to our arrival, and that they had been living before that in the practice the most bloody system of idolatry, I could not refrain from exclaiming what a convincing poop that Christianity is of God. On landing from our little boat we were received with a warm welcome by the teacher and his wife, the latter being also a native, clothed in a simple European gown and a straw bonnet. The shore was lined with hundreds of natives, whose persons were all more or less clothed with native cloth. Some of the men had on a kind of poncho formed of this cloth, their legs being uncovered, others wore clumsily fashioned trousers, and no upper garment except hats made of straw and cloth. Many of the dresses, both of women and men, were grotesque enough being very bad imitations of the European garb, but all wore a dress of some sort or other. They seemed very glad to see us, and crowded round us as the teacher led the way to his dwelling where we were entertained in the most sumptuous manner on baked pig and all the varieties of fruits and vegetables that the island produced. We were much annoyed, however, by the rats. They seemed to run about the house like domestic animals. As we sat at table, one of them peeped up at us over the edge of the cloth, close to Peterkin's elbow, who floored it with a blow on the snout from his knight, exclaiming as he did so. I say, Mr. Teacher, why don't you set traps for these brutes? Surely you are not fond of them. No, replied the teacher with a smile, we would be glad to get rid of them if we could. But if we were to trap all the rats on the island, it would occupy our whole time. Are they then so numerous, inquired Jack? They swarm everywhere. The poor heathens on the north side eat them and think them very sweet. So did my people formerly, but they do not eat so many now, because the missionary who was last here expressed disgust at it. The poor people asked if it was wrong to eat rats, and he told them that it was certainly not wrong, but that the people of England would be much disgusted where they asked to eat rats. We had not been an hour in the house of this kindhearted man when we were convinced of the truth of his statement as to their numbers, for the rats ran about on the floors in dozens, and during our meal two men were stationed at the table to keep them off. What a pity you have no cats, said Peterkin, and he aimed a blow at another reckless intruder and missed it. We would indeed be glad to have a few rejoin the teacher, but they are difficult to be got. The hogs we find are very good rat killers, but they do not seem to be able to keep the numbers down. I have heard that they are better than cats. As the teacher said this, his good-natured blackface was wrinkled with a smile of merriment. Observing that I had noticed it, he said, I smile just now when I remembered the fate of the first cat that was taken to Rarotunga. This is one of the stations of the London Missionary Society. It, like our own, is infested with rats, and a cat was brought at last to the island. It was a large black one. On being turned loose, instead of being content to stay among men, the cat took to the mountains and lived in a wild state, sometimes paying visits during the night to the houses of the natives, some of whom, living at a distance from the settlement, had not heard of the cat's arrival and were dreadfully frightened in consequence, calling it a monster of the deep and flying in terror away from it. One night the cat, feeling a desire for company, I suppose, took its way to the house of a chief who had recently been converted to Christianity and had begun to learn to read and pray. The chief's wife, who was sitting awake at his side while he slept, beheld with horror to fires glistening in the doorway, and heard with surprise a mysterious voice. Almost petrified with fear, she awoke her husband and began to upgrade him for forsaking his old religion and burning his god, who she declared was now come to be avenged of them. Get up and pray, get up and pray, she cried. The chief arose, and on opening his eyes beheld the same glaring lights, and heard the same ominous sound. Impilled by the extreme urgency of the case, he commenced with all possible demons to precipitate the alphabet as a prayer to God to deliver them from the vengeance of Satan. On hearing this, the cat, as much alarmed as themselves, fled precipitately away, leaving this chief and his wife congratulating themselves on the efficacy of their prayer. We were much diverted with this antidote, which the teacher related in English so good that we certainly could not have supposed him a native but for the color of his face and the foreign accent in his tone. Next day we walked out with this interesting man, and were much entertained and instructed by his conversation as we ramble through the cool shady groves of bananas, citrons, limes, and other trees or sauntered among the cottages of the natives, and watched them while they labored diligently in the tarot beds or manufactured the tappa or native cloth. To some of these Jack put questions through the medium of the missionary, and the replies were such as to surprise us at the extent of their knowledge. Indeed, Peterkin very truly remarked that they seemed to know a considerable deal more than Jack himself. Among other pieces of interesting information that we obtained was the following in regard to coral formations. The islands of the Pacific, said our friend, are of three different kinds or classes. Those of the first class are volcanic, mountainous, and wild, some shooting their jagged peaks into the clouds at an elevation of ten or fifteen thousand feet. Those of the second class are a crystallized limestone and vary in height from one hundred to five hundred feet. The hills on these are not so wild or broken as those of the first class, but are richly clothed with vegetation and very beautiful. I have no doubt that the coral island on which you erect was one of this class. They are supposed to have been upheaved from the bottom of the sea by volcanic agency, but they are not themselves volcanic in their nature, neither are they a coral formation. Those of the third class are the low Coraline islands, usually having lagoons of water in their midst. They are very numerous. As to the manner in which coral islands and reefs are formed, there are various opinions on this point. I will give you what seems to me the most probable theory, a theory I may add, which is held by some of the good and scientific missionaries. It is well known that there is much lime and saltwater. It is also known that coral is composed of lime. It is supposed that the polyps, or coral insects, have the power of extracting this lime to their bodies, and with this material they build their little cells or habitations. They choose the summit of a volcano or the top of a submarine mountain as a foundation on which to build, for it is found that they never work at any greater depth below the surface. On this they work. The polyps on the mountain top, of course, reach the surface first. Then those at the outer edges reach the top sooner than the others between them and the center, thus forming the coral reefs surrounding the lagoon of water and the central island. After that, the insects within the lagoon cease working. When the surface of the water is reached, these myriads of wonderful creatures die. Then birds visit the spot, and seeds are thus conveyed tither, which take root and spring up and flourish. This are commenced those coraline islets of which you have seen so many in these seas. The reefs round the large islands are formed in a similar matter. When we consider, added to the missionary, the smallness of the architects used by our heavenly Father in order to form those lovely and innumerable islands, we are filled with much of that feeling which induced the ancient king to exclaim, How manifold, O Lord, are thy works, in wisdom hast thou made them all. We all heartily agreed with the missionary in this sentiment, and felt not a little gratified to find that the opinions which Jack and I had been led to form, from personal observation on our coral island, were thus to a great extent corroborated. The missionary also gave us an account of the manner in which Christianity had been introduced among them. He said, When missionaries were first sent here three years ago, a small vessel brought them, and the chief who is now dead, promised to treat well the two native teachers who were left behind with their wives on the island, but scarcely had the boat which landed them return to the ship, then the natives began to maltreat their guests, taking away all they possessed, and offering them further violence, so that when the boat was sent in haste to fetch them away, the clothes of both men and women were torn nearly off their backs. Two years after this, the vessel visited them again, and I, being in her, volunteered to land alone without any goods whatever, begging that my wife be brought to me the following year, that is, this year, and as you see she is with me. But the surf was so high that the boat could not lend me, so with nothing on but my trousers and shirt, and with a few catechisms and a Bible, besides some portions of the scripture translated into the mango tongue, I sprang into the sea and swam ashore on the crust of a breaker. I was instantly dragged up the beach by the natives, who, on finding I had nothing worth having upon me, let me alone. I then made signs to my friends in the ship to leave me, which they did. At first the natives listened to me in silence, but laughed at what I said while I preached the gospel of our blessed Savior Jesus Christ to them. Afterwards they treated me ill sometimes, but I persevered and continued to dwell among them and dispute and exhort them to give up their sinful ways of life, burn their idols, and come to Jesus. About a month after I landed I heard that the chief was dead. He was the father of the present chief, who is now a most consistent member of the church. It is accustomed here that when a chief dies his wives are strangled and buried with him. Knowing this I hastened to his house to endeavor to prevent such cruelty as possible. When I arrived I found two of the wives had already been killed while another was in the art of being strangled. I played it hard for her, but it was too late. She was already dead. I then entreated the son to spare the fourth wife, and after much hesitation my prayer was granted, but in half an hour afterwards this poor woman repented of being unfaithful as she termed it to her husband and insisted on being strangled, which was accordingly done. All this time the chief's son was walking up and down before his father's house with a brow black as thunder. When he entered I went in with him and found to my surprise that his father was not dead, the old man was sitting on a mat in a corner with an expression of placid resignation on his face. Why, said I, have you strangled your father's wives before he is dead? To this the son replied, he is dead. That is no longer my father. He is as good as dead now. He is to be buried alive. I now remembered having heard that it is a custom among the Fiji islanders that when the reigning chief grows old and infirm, the heir to the chieftainship has a right to depose his father, in which case he is considered as dead, and is buried alive. The young chief was now about to follow this custom, and despite my earnest entreaties and pleadings, the old chief was buried that day before my eyes in the same grave with his poor strangled wives. O my heart groaned when I saw this, and I prayed to God to open the hearts of these poor creatures as he had already opened mine, and pour into them the light and the love of the gospel of Jesus. My prayer was answered very soon. A week afterwards the son, who was now chief of the tribe, came to me, bearing his God on his shoulders and groaning beneath its weight. Flinging it down at my feet he desired me to burn it. You may conceive how overjoyed I was at this. I sprang up and embraced him while I shed tears of joy. Then we made a fire and burned the God to ashes amid an immense concourse of the people who seemed terrified at what was being done, and shrank back when we burned the God expecting some signal vengeance to be taken upon us, but seeing that nothing happened they changed their minds, and thought that our God must be the true one after all. From that time the mission prospered steadily, and now, while there is not a single man in the tribe who has not burned his household gods and become a convert to Christianity, there are not a few, I hope, who are true followers of the land, having been plucked as brands from the burning by him who can save unto the uttermost. I will not tell you more of our progress at this time, but you see, he said waving his hand around him, the village and the church did not exist a year ago. We were indeed much interested in this account, and I could not help again in my heart praying to God to prosper those missionary societies that send such inestimable blessings to these islands of dark and bloody idolatry. The teacher also added that the other tribes were very indignant at this one for having burned its gods, and threatened to destroy it altogether, but they had done nothing yet. And if they should, said the teacher, the Lord is on our side, of whom shall we be afraid? Have the missionaries many stations in these seas? inquired Jack. Oh yes, the London Missionary Society have a great many in the Tahiti group and other islands in that quarter. Then the Wesleyans had the Fiji Islands all to themselves, and the Americans have many stations in other groups. But still, my friend, there are hundreds of islands here, the natives of which have never heard of Jesus or the good word of God or the Holy Spirit, and thousands are living and dying in the practice of those terrible sins and bloody murders of which you have already heard. I trust, my friends, he added, looking earnestly into our faces. I trust that if you ever return to England, you will tell your Christian friends that the horrors which they hear of in regard to these islands are literally true, and that when they have heard the worst, the half has not been told them. For there are perpetuated here all leads of darkness of which man may not speak. You may also tell them, he said, looking around with a smile while a tear of gratitude trembled in his eye and rolled down his cold black cheek. Tell them of the blessings that the gospel has wrought here. We assured our friend that we would certainly not forget his request. When returning towards the village about noon, we remarked on the beautiful whiteness of the cottages. That is owing to the line with which they are plastered, said the teacher. When the natives were converted, as I have described, I set them to work to build cottages for themselves, and also this handsome church which you see. When the framework and other parts of the house were up, I sent the people to fetch coral from the sea. They brought immense quantities. Then I made them cut wood, and piling the coral above it, set it on fire. Look, look, cried the poor people in amazement, what wonderful people the Christians are. He is roasting stones. We shall not need taro or breadfruit any more. We may eat stones. But their surprise was still greater when the coral was reduced to a fine, soft, white powder. They immediately set up a great shout, and mingling the lime with water rubbed their faces and their bodies all over with it, and ran through the village, screaming with delight. They were also much surprised at another thing they saw me do. I wished to make some household furniture, and constructed a turning lathe to assist them. The first thing that I turned was the leg of a sofa, which was no sooner finished than the chief seized it with wonder and delight, and ran through the village exhibiting it to the people who looked upon it with great admiration. The chief then, tying a string to it, hung it round his neck as an ornament. He afterwards told me that if he had seen it before he became a Christian, he would have made it his god. As the teacher concluded this antidote, we reached his door. Saying that he had business to attend to, he left us to amuse ourselves as we best could. Now, lads, said Jack, turning abruptly towards us, and buttoning up his jacket as he spoke, I am off to see the battle. I have no particular fondness for seeing bloodshed, but I must find out the nature of these fellows and see their customs with my own eyes, so that I may be able to speak of it again, if need be, authoritatively. It's only six miles off, and we don't run much more risk than that of getting a wrap with a stray stone or an overshot arrow. Will you go? To be sure we will, said Peterkin. If they chance to see us, we'll cut and run for it, added Jack. Dear me, cried Peterkin, you run? I thought you would scorn to run from anyone. So I would. If it were my duty to fight, returned Jack Cooley. But as I don't want to fight and don't intend to fight, if they offer to attack us, I'll run away like the various coward that ever went by the name of Peterkin. So come along. End of Chapter 30 Recording by Tom Weiss Chapter 31 of The Coral Island This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Tom Weiss The Coral Island by R. M. Ballantyne Chapter 31 A strange and bloody battle. The lion bearded in his den. Frightful scenes of cruelty and fears for the future. We had a certain from the teacher the direction to the spot on which the battle was to be fought, and after a walk of two hours reached it. The summit of a bare hill was the place chosen, for unlike most of the other islanders who are addicted to bush-fighting, those of mango are in the habit of meeting on open ground. We arrived before the two parties had commenced the deadly struggle, and creeping as close up as we dared among the rocks, we lay and watched them. The combatants were drawn up face to face, each side ranged in rank 4D. Those in the first row were armed with long spears. The second with clubs to defend the spearmen. The third row was composed of young men with slings, and the fourth consisted of women who carried baskets of stones for the slingers, and clubs and spears with which to supply the warriors. Soon after we arrived the attack was made with great fury. There was no science displayed. The two bodies of savages rushed headlong upon each other and engaged in a general melee, and a more dreadful set of men I have never seen. They wore grotesque war-caps made of various substances and decorated with feathers. Their faces and bodies were painted so as to make them look as frightful as possible, and as they brandished their massive clubs, leaped, shouted, yelled, and dashed each other to the ground, I thought I had never seen men look so like demons before. We were much surprised at the conduct of the women, who seemed to be perfect furies, and hung about the heels of their husbands in order to defend them. One stout young woman we saw, whose husband was hard-pressed and about to be overcome, she lifted a large stone and throwing it at his opponent's head, felled him to the earth. But the battle did not last long. The band most distant from us gave way and were routed, leaving eighteen of their comrades dead upon the field. These the victors brained as they lay, and putting some of their brains on leaves went off with them, we were afterwards informed, to their temples to present them to their gods as an earnest of the human victims who were soon to be brought there. We hastened back to the Christian village with feelings of the deepest sadness at the sanguinary conflict which we had just witnessed. Next day, after breakfasting with our friend the teacher, we made preparations for carrying out our plan. At first the teacher endeavored to dissuade us. You do not know, said he, turning to Jack, the danger you run in venturing against these ferocious savages. I feel much pity for poor Avatay, but you are not likely to succeed in saving her, and you may die in the attempt. Well, said Jack quietly, I am not afraid to die in a good cause. The teacher smiled approvingly at him as he said this, and after a little further conversation agreed to accompany us as interpreter, saying that although Tarot was unfriendly to him, he had hitherto treated him with respect. We now went on board the schooner, having resolved to sail round the island and drop anchor opposite the heathen village. We manned her with natives and hoped to overhaul the savages by displaying our brass gun to advantage. The teacher soon after came on board, and setting our sails we put to sea. In two hours more we made the cliffs reverberate with the crash of the big gun, which we fired by way of salute, while we rammed the British ensign up to the peak and cast anchor. The commotion on shore showed us that we had struck terror into the hearts of the natives, but seeing that we did not offer to molest them a canoe at length put off and paddled cautiously towards us. The teacher showed himself, and explaining that we were friends and wished to collab her with the chief, desired the native to go and tell him to come on board. We waited long and with much impatience for an answer. During this time the native teacher conversed with us again and told us many things concerning the success of the gospel among those islands and perceiving that we were by no means so much gratified as we ought to have been at the hearing of such good news, he pressed us more closely in regard to our personal interest in religion, and exhorted us to consider that our souls were certainly in as great danger as those of the wretched heathen whom we pitied so much if we had not already found salvation in Jesus Christ. May further, he added, if such be your unhappy case, you are, in the sight of God, much worse than these savages, forgive me, my young friends for saying so, for they have no knowledge, no light, and do not profess to believe, while you, on the contrary, have been brought up in the light of the blessed gospel, and call yourselves Christians. These poor savages are indeed the enemies of our Lord, but you, if ye be not true believers, are traitors. I must confess that my heart condemned me while the teachers spoke in this earnest manner, and I knew not what to reply. Peterkin, too, did not seem to like it, and I thought would willingly have escaped, but Jack seemed deeply impressed, and wore an anxious expression on his naturally grave countenance while he ascended to the teacher's remarks and put to him many earnest questions. Meanwhile, the natives who composed our crew, having nothing particular to do, had squatted down on the deck and taken out their little books containing the translated portions of the New Testament, along with hymns and spelling books, and were now busily engaged, some vociferating the alphabet, others learning prayers off by heart, while a few sang hymns, all of them being utterly unmindful of our presence. The teacher soon joined them, and soon afterwards they all engaged in a prayer, which was afterwards translated to us, and proved to be a petition for the success of our undertaking and for the conversion of the heathen. While we were thus engaged, a canoe put off from shore, and several savages leaped on deck, one of whom advanced to the teacher and informed him that tarot could not come on board that day, being busy with some religious ceremonies before the gods, which could on no account be postponed. He was also engaged with a friendly chief, who was about to take his departure from the island, and therefore begged that the teacher and his friends would land and pay a visit to him. To this the teacher returned answer that we would land immediately. "'Now, lads,' said Jack, as we were about to step into our little boat, "'I'm not going to take any weapons with me, and I recommend you to take none either. We are all together in the power of these savages, and the utmost we could do, if they were to attack us, would be to kill a few of them before we were ourselves overpowered. I think that our only chance of success lies in mild measures. Don't you think so?' To this I assented gladly, and Peterkin replied by laying down a huge bell-mouthed blunderbus, and divesting himself of a pair of enormous horse pistols, with which he had purposed to overaw the natives. We then jumped into our boat, and rode ashore. On reaching the beach we were received by a crowd of naked savages, who shouted a rude welcome, and conducted us to a house or shed where a baked pig and a variety of vegetables were prepared for us. Having partaken of these, the teacher begged to be conducted to the chief, but there seemed some hesitation, and after some consultation among themselves one of the men stood forward and spoke to the teacher. What says he, inquired Jack, when the savage had concluded. He says that the chief is just going to the temple of his god, and cannot see us yet, so we must be patient, my friend. Well, cried Jack, rising, if he won't come to see me, I'll ingo and see him. Besides, I have a great desire to witness their proceedings at this temple of theirs. Will you go with me, friend? I cannot, said the teacher, shaking his head. I must not go to the heathen temples and witness their inhuman rites, except for the purpose of condemning their wickedness and folly. Very good, returned Jack, then I'll go alone, for I cannot condemn their doings till I have seen them. Jack arose, and we, having determined to go also, followed him through the banana groves to a rising ground immediately behind the village, on the top of which stood the grr, or temple, under the dark shade of a group of ironwood trees. As we went through the village, I was again led to contrast the rude huts and sheds, and their almost naked, savage-looking inhabitants, with the natives of the Christian village, who, to use the teacher's scriptural expression, were now clothed and in their right mind. As we turned into a broad path leading towards the hill, we were arrested by the shouts of an approaching multitude in the rear. Drawing aside into the bushes, we awaited their coming up, and as they drew near, we observed that it was a procession of the natives, many of whom were dancing and gesticulating in the most frantic manner. They had an exceedingly hideous aspect, owing to the black, red, and yellow paints with which their faces and naked bodies were bedod. In the midst of these came a band of men carrying three or four blanks, on which were seated in rows, upwards of a dozen men. I shuddered involuntarily as I recollected the sacrifice of human victims at the island of Emo, and turned with a look of fear to Jack, as I said. O Jack, I have a terrible dread that they are going to commit some of their cruel practices on these wretched men. We had better not go to the temple. We shall only be horrified without being able to do any good, for I fear they are going to kill them. Jack's face wore an expression of deep compassion, as he said in a low voice. No fear, Ralph. The sufferings of these four fellows are over long ago. I turned with a start as he spoke, and glancing at the men, who were now quite nearer to the spot where we stood, saw that they were all dead. They were tied firmly with ropes in a sitting posture on the planks, and seemed as they bent their sightless eyeballs and grinning mouse over the dancing crew below, as if they were laughing in ghastly mockery at the utter inability of their enemies to hurt them now. These we discovered afterwards were the men who had been slain in the battle of the previous day, and were now on their way to be first presented to the gods and then eaten. Behind these came two men leading between them a third, whose hands were pinion behind his back. He walked with a firm step and wore a look of utter indifference on his face as they led him along, so that we concluded he must be a criminal who was about to receive some slight punishment for his faults. The rear of the possession was brought up by a shouting crowd of women and children, with whom we mingled and followed to the temple. Here we arrived in a few minutes. The temple was a tall, circular building, open at one side. Around it were strewn heaps of human bones and skulls. At a table inside sat the priest, an elderly man with a long, gray beard. He was seated on a stool, and before him lay several knives made of wood, bone, and splinters of bamboo, with which he performed his office of dissecting dead bodies. Therein lay a variety of articles that had been dedicated to the god, and among them were many spears and clubs. I observed among the latter some with human teeth sticking in them, where the victims had been clubbed in their mouths. Before this temple the bodies which were painted with vermilion and soup were arranged in a sitting posture, and a man called the Danvosa, or Order, advanced and laying his hands on their heads, began to chide them, apparently, in a low, bantering tone. What he said we knew not, but as he went on he waxed warm, and at last shouted to them at the top of his lungs, and finally finished by kicking the bodies over and running away, amid the shouts and laughter of the people who now rushed forward. Seizing the bodies by a leg or an arm, or by the hair of the head, they dragged them over stumps and stones, and threw slaws until they were exhausted. The bodies were then brought back to the temple, and dissected by the priest, after which they were taken out to be baked. Close to the temple a large fire was kindled in which stones were heated red-hot. When ready these were spread out on the ground, and a thick coating of leaves strewn over them to slack the heat. On this lovo, or oven, the bodies were then placed, covered over, and left to bake. The crowd now ran with terrible yells toward the neighboring hill or mound, on which we observed the framework of a house lying ready to be erected. Sick with horror, yet fascinated by curiosity, we staggered after them mechanically, scarce knowing where we were going, or what we did, and feeling a sort of impression that all we saw was a dreadful dream. Arrived at the place, we saw the multitude crowding round a certain spot. We pressed forward, and obtained a sight of what they were doing. A large wooden beam or post lay on the ground, beside the other parts of the framework of the house, and close to the end of it was a hole about seven feet deep and upwards of two feet wide. While we looked, the man whom we had before observed with his hands pinion was carried into the circle. His hands were now free, but his legs were tightly strapped together. The post of the house was then placed in the hole, and the man put in beside it. His head was a good way below the surface of the hole, and his arms were clasped round the post. Earth was now thrown in until all was covered over and stamped down, and this, we were afterwards told, was a ceremony usually performed at the dedication of a new temple or the erection of a chief's house. Come, come, cried Jack, on beholding this horrible tragedy. We have seen enough, enough, far more than enough. Let us go. Jack's face looked gastly pale and haggard as we hurried back to rejoin the teacher, and I have no doubt that he felt terrible anxiety when he considered the number and ferocity of the savages and the weakness of a few arms which were ready, indeed, to essay but impotent to effect, avataze deliverance from these ruthless men. End of Chapter 31. Recording by Tom Weiss. Chapter 32 of the Coral Island. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Tom Weiss. The Coral Island by R. M. Valentine. Chapter 32. An unexpected discovery and a bold, reckless defiance with its consequences. Plans of escape and heroic resolves. When we returned to the shore and related to our friends what had passed, he was greatly distressed and groaned in spirit, but we had not sat long in conversation when we were interrupted by the arrival of tarot on the beach, accompanied by a number of followers bearing baskets of vegetables and fruits on their heads. We advanced to meet him, and he expressed through our interpreter much pleasure in seeing us. And what is it that my friends wish to say to me, he inquired. The teacher explained that we came to beg that avatay might be spared. Tell him, said Jack, that I consider that I have a right to ask this of him, having not only saved the girl's life, but the lies of his own people also, and said that I wish her to be allowed to follow her own wishes and join the Christians. While this was being translated, the chief's brow lowered, and we could see plainly that our request met with no favorable reception. He replied with considerable energy and at some length. What says he? He inquired Jack. I regret to say that he will not listen to the proposal. He says he has pledged his word to his friend that the girl shall be sent to him, and a deputy even now on this island awaiting the fulfillment of the pledge. Jack bit his lip and suppressed anger. Tell tarot, he exclaimed with a plashing eye, that if he does not grant my demand, it will be worse for him. Say I have a big gun on board my schooner that will blow his village into the sea if he does not give up the girl. Nay, my friend, said the teacher gently, I will not tell him that. We must overcome evil with good. What does my friend say? inquired the chief, who seemed nettle by Jack's looks of defiance. He is displeased, replied the teacher. Jack turned away with a smile of contempt, and walked towards the men who carried the baskets of vegetables, and who had now emptied the hole on the beach in an enormous pile. What are they doing there? I inquired. I think they are laying out a gift which they intend to present to someone, said the teacher. At this moment a couple of men appeared, leading a young girl between them, and going towards the heaps of fruits and vegetables placed her on top of it. We started with surprise and fear, for in the young female before us we recognized the Samoan girl, Avatay. We stood rooted to the earth with surprise and thick-coming fears. O my dear young friend, whispered the teacher in a voice of deep emotion, while he seized Jack by the arm. She is to be made a sacrifice even now. Is she? cried Jack with a vehement shout, spurning the teacher aside, and dashing over two natives who stood in his way, while he rushed towards the heap, sprang up its side, and seized Avatay by the arm. In another moment he dragged her down, placed her back to a large tree, and wrenching a war-club from the hand of a native who seemed powerless and petrified with surprise, whirled it above his head, and yelled rather than shout it while his face blazed with fury, Come on, the whole nation of you, and you like it and do your worst. It seemed as though the challenge had been literally accepted, for every savage on the ground ran precipitately at Jack with club and spear, and doubtless would speedily have poured out his brave blood on the sod had not the teacher rushed in between them, and raising his voice to its utmost pride. Stay your hands, warriors! It is not your part to judge in this matter. It is for tarot the chief to say whether or not the young man shall live or die. The natives were arrested, and I know not whether it was the gratifying acknowledgment of his superiority thus made by the teacher, or some lingering feeling of gratitude for Jack's former aid in time of need that influenced tarot. But he stepped forward, and waving his hand, said to his people, Desist, the young man's life is mine. Then turning to Jack, he said, you have forfeited your liberty and life to me. Submit yourself, for we are more numerous than the sand upon the shore. You are but one. Why should you die? Villain, exclaimed Jack passionately, I may die, but assuredly I shall not perish alone. I will not submit until you promise that this girl shall not be injured. You are very bold, replied the chief haughtily, but very foolish. Yet I will say that avatay shall not be sent away, at least for three days. You had better accept these terms, whispered the teacher intrudingly. If you persist in this mad defiance, you will be slain, and avatay will be lost. Three days are worth having. Jack hesitated a moment, then lowered his club, and throwing it mootily to the ground, crossed his arms on his breast, and hung down his head in silence. Tarot seemed pleased by his submission, and told the teacher to say that he did not forget his former services, and therefore would leave him free as to his person, but that the schooner would be detained till he had further considered the matter. While the teacher translated this, he approached as near to where avatay was standing as possible, without creating suspicion, and whispered to her a few words in the native language. Avatay, who during the whole of the foregoing scene, had stood leaning against a tree perfectly passive, and seemingly quite uninterested in all that was going on, replied by a single rapid glance of her dark eye, which was instantly cast down again on the ground at her feet. Tarot now advanced, and taking the girl by the hand led her unresistingly away, while Jack, Peterkin, and I returned with the teacher on board the schooner. On reaching the deck we went down to the cabin, where Jack threw himself in a state of great dejection on a couch. But the teacher seated himself by his side, and laying his hand upon his shoulder said, Do not give way to anger my young friend. One has given us three days, and we must use the means that are in our power to free this poor girl from slavery. We must not sit in idle disappointment. We must act. Act! cried Jack, raising himself and tossing back his hair wildly. It is mockery to talk of acting when one is bound hand and foot. How can I act? I cannot fight a whole nation of savages single-handed. Yes, he said with a bitter smile. I can fight them, but I cannot conquer them or save avatage. Patience, my friend. Your spirit is not a good one just now. You cannot expect that blessing which alone can ensure success, unless you are more submissive. I will tell you my plans if you will listen. Listen! cried Jack eagerly. Of course I will, my good fellow. I did not know you had any plans. Help them! I only hope you will show me how I can get the girl on board of this schooner, and I'd up anchor and away in no time, but proceed with your plans. The teacher smiled sadly. Ah, my friend, if one fathom of your anchor chain were to rattle as you drew it in, a thousand warriors would be standing on your deck. No, no that could not be done. Even now your ship would be taken from you where it not that Tarot has some feeling of gratitude towards you. But I know Tarot well. He is a man of falsehood, as all the unconverted savages are. The chief to whom he has promised this girl is very powerful, and Tarot must fulfill his promise. He has told you that he would do nothing to the girl for three days, but that is because the party who are to take her away will not be ready to start for three days. Still, as he might have made you a prisoner during those three days, I say that God has given them to us. Well, but what do you propose to do? said Jack impatiently. My plan involves much danger, but I see no other, and I think you have courage to brave it. It is this. There is an island about fifty miles to the south of this, the natives of which are Christians, and have been so for two years or more, and the principal chief is Avatay's lover. Once there, Avatay would be safe. Now, I suggest that you should abandon your schooner. Do you think that you can make so great a sacrifice? Friend, replied Jack, when I make up my mind to go through with a thing of importance, I can make any sacrifice. The teacher smiled. Well, then, the savages could not conceive it possible that for the sake of a girl, you would voluntarily lose your fine vessel. Therefore, as long as she lies here, they think that they have you all safe. So I suggest that we get a quantity of stores conveyed to a sequestered part of the shore, provide a small canoe, put Avatay on board, and you three would paddle to the Christian island. Bravo! cried Peterkin, springing up and seizing the teacher's hand. Missionary, you're a regular brick. I didn't think you had so much in you. As for me, continued the teacher, I will remain on board till they discover that you are gone. Then they will ask me where you are gone to, and I will refuse to tell. And what'll be the result of that, inquired Jack? I know not. Perhaps they will kill me. But, he added, looking at Jack with a peculiar smile, I, too, am not afraid to die in a good cause. But how are we to get hold of Avatay, inquired Jack? I have arranged with her to meet us at a particular spot, to which I will guide you tonight. We shall then arrange about it. She will easily manage to elude her keepers, who are not very strict in watching her, thinking it impossible that she could escape from the island. Indeed, I am sure that such an idea will never enter their heads. But as I have said, you run great danger. Fifty miles in a small canoe on the open sea is a great voyage to make. You may miss the island, too, in which case there is no other in that direction for a hundred miles or more. And if you lose your way and fall among other heathens, you know the law of Fiji, a castaway who gains the shore is doomed to die. You must count the costs, my young friend. I have counted it, replied Jack. But Avatay consents to run the risk, most certainly I will, and so will my comrades also. Besides, added Jack, looking seriously into the teacher's face, your Bible, our Bible, tells of one who delivers those who call on him in the time of trouble, who holds the winds in his fists and the waters in the hollow of his hand. We now set about active preparations for the intended voyage, collected together such things as we should require, and laid out on the deck provisions sufficient to maintain us for several weeks, proposing to load the canoe with as much as she could hold consistently with speed and safety. These we covered with a tarpaulin, intending to convey to the canoe only a few hours before starting. When night spent her sable curtain over the scene, we prepared to land. With first kneeling along with the natives and the teacher, the latter implored a blessing on our enterprise. Then we rode quietly to the shore, and followed our sable guide, who led us by a long detour in order to avoid the village, to the place of rendezvous. We had not stood more than five minutes under the gloomy side of the thick foliage when a dark figure glided noiselessly up to us. Ah, here you are, said Jack, as Avatay approached. Now then, tell her what we've come about and don't waste time. I understand little English, said Avatay, in a low voice. Why, where did you pick up English, explained Jack in amazement? You were dumb as a stone when I saw you last. She has learned all she knows of it from me, said the teacher, since she came to the island. We now gave Avatay a full explanation of our plans, entering into all the details and concealing none of the danger, so that she might be fully aware of the risk she ran. As we had anticipated, she was too glad of the opportunity thus afforded her to escape from her persecutors to think of the danger or risk. Then you're willing to go with us, are you? Said Jack. Yes, I'm willing to go. And you're not afraid to trust yourself out on the deep sea so far? No, I'm not afraid to go. I'm not afraid to go. After some further consultation the teacher suggested that it was time to return, so we bade Avatay good night, and having appointed to meet at the cliff where the canoe lay on the following night just after dark, we hastened away, we to row back to the schooner with muffled oars, Avatay to glide back to her prison hut among the mango savages. End of Chapter 32, Recording by Tom Weiss. The Coral Island by R. M. Valentine. Chapter 33. The Flight. The Pursuit. Despair and its Results. The Lion veered it in his den again. Awful danger threatened and wonderfully averted. A terrific storm. As the time for our meditated flight drew near, we became naturally very fearful lest our purpose should be discovered, and we spent the whole of the following day in a state of nervous anxiety. We resolved to go ashore and ramble about the village as if to observe the habits and dwellings of the people, as we thought that an air of effected indifference to the events of the previous day would be more likely than any other course of conduct to avert suspicion as to our intentions. While we were thus occupied, the teacher remained on board with the Christian natives, whose powerful voices reached us ever and anon as they engaged in singing hymns or in prayer. At last the long and tedious day came to a close. The sun sank into the sea, and the short-lived twilight of those regions to which I have already referred, and it abruptly, in a dark night. Hastily throwing a few blankets into our little boat, we stepped into it and, whispering farewell to the natives in the schooner, rode gently over the lagoon, taking care to keep as near to the beach as possible. We rode in the utmost silence, and with muffled oars, so that had anyone observed us at a distance of a few yards he might have almost taken us for a phantom boat or a shadow on the dark water. Not a breath of air was stirring, but fortunately the gentle ripple of the sea upon the shore mingled with the soft roar of the breaker on the distant reef effectually drowned the slight flash that we unavoidably made in the water by the dipping of our oars. A quarter of an hour sufficed to bring us to the overhanging cliff under whose black shadow our little canoe lay with her bow in the water, ready to be launched, and most of her cargo already stowed away. As the keel of our little boat grated on the sand, a hand was laid upon the bow, and a dim form was seen. Ha! said Peterkin in a whisper as he stepped upon the beach. Is that you, Avatar? Yes, it am me, was the reply. All right, now then, gently. Help me to shove off the canoe, whispered Jack to the teacher. And Peterkin, do you shove these blankets aboard? We may want them before long. Avatar, step into the middle. That's right. Is already whispered the teacher? Not quite, replied Peterkin. Here, Ralph, lay hold of this pair oars and stow them away if you can. I don't like paddles. After we're safe away, I'll try to rig up rollox for them. Now then, in with you, and shove off. One more earnest squeeze of the kind teacher's hand, and with his whispered blessing yet sounding in our ears, we shot like an arrow from the shore, sped over the still waters of the lagoon, and paddled as swiftly as strong arms and willing hearts could urge us over the long swell of the open sea. All that night and the whole of the following day, we plied our paddles in almost total silence and without a halt, saved twice to recruit our failing energies with a mouthful of food and a draught of water. Jack had taken the bearing of the island just after starting, and laying a small pocket compass before him, kept the head of the canoe due south for our chance of hitting the island depended very much on the faithfulness of our steersmen in keeping our tiny bark exactly and constantly on its proper course. Peterkin and I hattled in the bow, and Abbotay worked untiringly in the middle. As the sun's lower limb dipped on the gilded edge of the sea, Jack ceased working, threw down his paddle, and called a halt. There he cried, heaving a deep, low-drawn sigh. We put a considerable breadth of water between us and these black rascals, so now we'll have a hearty supper and a sound sleep. Here, here, cried Peterkin, nobly spoken, Jack, hand me a drop of water, Ralph. Why, my girl, what's wrong with you? You look just like a black owl blinking in the sunshine. Abbotay smiled, I sleepy, she said, and as if to prove the truth of this, she laid her head on the edge of the canoe and fell fast asleep. That's on common sharp practice, said Peterkin with a broad grin. Don't you think we should awake her to make her eat something first? Or perhaps, he added with a grave, meditative look, perhaps we might put some food in her mouth, which is so elegantly open at the present moment and see if she'd swallow it while asleep. If so, Ralph, you might come round to the front here and feed her quietly while Jack and I are tucking into the victuals. It would be a monstrous economy of time. I could not help smiling at Peterkin's idea, which indeed, when I pondered it, seemed remarkably good in theory. Nevertheless, I declined to put it in practice, being fearful of the result should the victual's chance to go down the wrong throat. But on suggesting this to Peterkin, he exclaimed, down the wrong throat, man, why? A fellow with half an eye might see that if it went down Abbotay's throat, it could not go down the wrong throat, unless indeed, you have all of a sudden to become inordinately selfish and think that all the throats in the world are wrong ones except your own. However, don't talk so much and hand me the pork before Jack finishes it. I feel myself entitled to at least one minute morsel. Peterkin, you're a villain. A paltry little villain, said Jack quietly as he tossed the hind legs, including the tail of a cold roast pig to his comrade. And I must again express my regret that unavoidable circumstances have thrust your society upon me and that necessity has compelled me to cultivate your acquaintance. Were it not that you are incapable of walking upon the water, I would order you, sir, out of the canoe. There you've awakened Abbotay with your long tongue, retorted Peterkin with a frown as the girl gave vent to a deep sigh. No, he continued, it was only a snore. Her chance, she dreameth of her black Apollo. I say, Ralph, do leave just one little slice of that yam. Between you and Jack, I run a chance of being put on short allowance. If not, yow! Peterkin's concluding remark was a yawn of so great energy that Jack recommended to him to postpone the conclusion of his meal till next morning, a piece of advice which he followed so quickly that I was forcibly reminded of his remark a few minutes before in regard to the sharp practice of Abbotay. My readers will have observed probably by this time that I am much given to meditation. They will not therefore be surprised to learn that I fell into a deep reverie on the subject of sleep which was continued without intermission into the night and prolonged without interruption into the following morning. But I cannot feel assured that I actually slept during that time, although I am tolerably certain that I was not awake. Thus we lay like a shadow on the still bosom of the ocean while the night closed in and all around was calm, dark and silent. A thrilling cry of alarm from Peterkin startled us in the morning just as the gray dawn began to glimmer in the east. What's wrong? cried Jack, starting up. Peterkin replied by pointing with a look of anxious dread towards the horizon and a glance sufficed to show us that one of the largest-sized war canoes was approaching us. With a groan of mingled despair and anger, Jack seized his paddle, glanced at the compass and in a suppressed voice commanded us to give way, but we did not require to be urged. Already our four paddles were glancing in the water and the canoe bounded over the glassy sea like a dolphin while a shout from our pursuers told that they had observed our motions. I see something like a land ahead, said Jack, in a hopeful tone. It seems impossible that we could have made the island yet. Still, if it is so, we may reach it before these fellows can catch us or our canoe is light and our muscles are fresh. No one replied, or to say truth, we felt that in a long chase we had no chance whatever with a canoe which held nearly a hundred warriors. Nevertheless, we resolved to do our utmost to escape and paddled with a degree of vigor that kept us well in advance of our pursuers. The war canoe was so far behind us that it seemed but a little speck on the sea and the shouts to which the crew occasionally gave them came faintly towards us on the morning breeze. We therefore hoped that we should be able to heat in advance for an hour or two when we might perhaps reach the land ahead. But this hope was suddenly crushed by the supposed land, not long after, rising up into the sky, thus proving itself to be a fog bank. A bitter feeling of disappointment filled each heart and was expressed on each countenance as we beheld this termination to our hopes. But we had little time to think of regret. Our danger was too great and imminent to permit of a moment's relaxation from our exertions. No hope now animated our bosoms, but a feeling of despair, strange to say, lent us power to work and nerved our arms with such energy that it was several hours ere the savages overtook us. When we saw that there was indeed no chance of escape and that paddling any longer would only serve to exhaust our strength without doing any good, we turned the side of our canoe towards the approaching enemy and laid down our paddles. Silently and with a look of bitter determination on its face, Jack lifted one of the light boat oars that we had brought with us and resting it on his shoulder stood up in an attitude of bold defiance. Peterkin took the other oar and also stood up, but there was no anger visible on his countenance when not sparkling with fun it usually wore a mild, sad expression which was deepened on the present occasion as he glanced at Avatay who sat with her face resting in her hands upon her knees. Without knowing very well what I intended to do, I also arose and grasped my paddle with both hands. On came the large canoe like a war horse of the deep with the foam curling from its sharp bow and the spearheads of the savages glancing in the beams of the rising sun. Perfect silence was maintained on both sides and we could hear the hissing water and see the frowning eyes of the warriors as they came rushing on. When about 20 yards distance, five or six of the savages in the bow rose and laying aside their paddles took up their spears. Jack and Peterkin raised their oars while with a feeling of madness whirling in my brain, I grasped my paddle and prepared for the onset. But before any of us could strike a blow, the short prowl of the war canoe struck us like a thunderbolt on the side and hurled us into the sea. What occurred after this I cannot tell for I was nearly drowned but when I recovered from the state of insensibility into which I had been thrown, I found myself stretched on my back, bound hand and foot between Jack and Peterkin in the bottom of the large canoe. In this condition we lay the whole day during which time the savages only rested one hour. When night came, they rested again for another hour and appeared to sleep just as they sat. But we were neither unbound nor allowed to speak to each other during the voyage nor was a morsel of food or a draught of water given to us. For food, however, we cared little but we would have given much for a drop of water to cool our parched lips and we would have been glad too had they loosened the cords that found us for they were tightly fastened and occasioned us much pain. The air also was unusually hot, so much so that I felt convinced that a storm was brewing. This also added to our sufferings. However, these were at length relieved by our arrival at the island from which we had fled. While we were being led ashore, we caught a glimpse of Avatay who was seated in the hinder part of the canoe. She was not fettered in any way. Our captors now drove us before them towards the hut of tarot at which we speedily arrived and found the chief seated with an expression on his face that voted us no good. Our friend the teacher stood beside him with a look of anxiety on his mild features. How comes it? said Tarot, turning to the teacher that these youths have abused our hospitality. Tell him, replied Jack, that we have not abused his hospitality for his hospitality has not been extended to us. I came to the island to deliver Avatay and my only regret is that I have failed to do so. If I get another chance, I will try to save her yet. The teacher shook his head. Nay, my young friend, I had better not tell him that. It will only incense him. I care not, replied Jack. If you don't tell him that, you'll tell him nothing or I won't say anything softer. On hearing Jack's speech, Tarot frowned and his eye flashed with anger. Go presumptuous boy, he said. My debt to you canceled. You and your companion shall die. As he spoke, he rose and signed to several of attendants who seized Jack and Peterkin and violently by the collars and dragging us from the house of the chief led us through the wood to the outskirts of the village. Here they thrust us into a species of natural cave in a cliff and having barricaded the entrance left us in total darkness. After feeling about for some time for our legs were unshackled, although our wrists were still bound with thongs, we found a low ledge of rock running along one side of the cavern. On this we seated ourselves and for a long time maintained unbroken silence. At last I could restrain my feelings no longer. Alas, dear Jack and Peterkin said I, what is to become of us? I fear that we are doomed to die. I know not, replied Jack in a tremulous voice. I know not. Ralph, I regret deeply the hastiness of my violent temper which I must confess has been the chief cause of our being brought to this sad condition. Perhaps the teacher may do something for us, but I have little hope. Ah, no, said Peterkin with a heavy sigh. I am sure he can't help us. Tarot doesn't care more for him than for one of his dogs. Truly, said I, there seems no chance of deliverance unless the Almighty puts forth his arm to save us. Yet I must say I have great hope, my comrades, for we have come to this dark place by no fault of ours unless it be a fault to try to sucker a woman into stress. I was interrupted in my remarks by a noise at the entrance to the cavern which was caused by the removal of the barricade. Immediately after three men entered and taking us by the collars of our coats led us away through the forest. As we advanced we heard much shouting and beating of native drums in the village and at first we thought that our guards were conducting us to the hut of tarot again. But in this we were mistaken. The beating of drums gradually increased and soon after we observed a procession of the natives coming towards us. At the head of this procession we were placed and then we all advanced together towards the temple where human beings were won to be sacrificed. A thrill of horror ran through my heart as I recalled to mind the awful scenes that I had before witnessed at that dreadful spot. But deliverance came suddenly from a quarter once we little expected it. During the whole of that day there had been an unusual degree of heat in the atmosphere and the sky assumed that lurid aspect which portends a thunderstorm. Just as we were approaching the horrid temple a growl of thunder burst overhead and heavy drops of rain began to fall. Those who have not witnessed gales and storms in tropical regions can form but a faint conception of the fearful hurricane that burst upon the island of Mango at this time. Before we reached the temple the storm burst upon us with a deafening roar and the natives who knew too well the devastation that was to follow fled right and left through the woods in order to save their property leaving us alone in the midst of a howling storm. The trees around us bent before the blast like willows and we were about to flee in order to seek shelter when the teacher ran towards us with a knife in his hand. Thank the Lord, he said cutting our bonds, I am in time. Now seek the shelter of the nearest rock. This we did without a moment's hesitation for the whistling wind burst ever and anon like thunder claps among the trees and tearing them from the roofs hurled them with violence to the ground. Rain cut across the land in sheets and lightning played like forked serpents in the air while high above the roar of the hissing tempest the thunder crashed and burst and rolled in awful majesty. In the village the scene was absolutely appalling. Roof were blown completely off the houses in many cases and in others the houses themselves were leveled with the ground. In the midst of this the natives were darting to and fro in some instances saving their goods but in many others seeking to save themselves from the storm of destruction that whirled around them. But terrific although the tempest was on land it was still more tremendous on the mighty ocean. Villas sprang as it were from the great deep and while their crests were absolutely scattered into white mists they fell upon the beach with a crash that seemed to shake the solid land. But they did not end there. Each successive wave swept higher and higher on the beach until the ocean lashed its angry waters among the trees and bushes and at length in a sheet of white curdled foam swept into the village and upset and carried off or dashed indirect whole rows of the native dwellings. It was a sublime and awful scene calculated in some degree at least to impress the mind of the holders with the might and majesty of God. We found shelter in a cave that night and all the next day during which time the storm raged in fury. But on the night following it abated somewhat and in the morning we went to the village to seek for food being so famished with hunger that we lost all feeling of danger and all wish to escape in our desire to satisfy the cravings of nature. But no sooner had we obtained food than we began to wish that we had rather endeavored to make our escape into the mountains. This we attempted to do soon afterwards but the natives were now able to look after us and on our showing disposition to avoid observation and make towards the mountains we were seized by three warriors who once more bound our wrists and thrust us into our former prison. It is true Jack made a vigorous resistance and knocked down the first savage who seized him with a well-directed flow of his fist but he was speedily overpowered by others. Thus we were again prisoners with a prospect of torture and a violent death before us. End of chapter 33, recording by Tom Weiss. Chapter 34 of the Coral Island. This labor box recording is in the public domain. Recording by Tom Weiss. The Coral Island by R. M. Valentine. Chapter 34. Imprisonment. Sinking hopes. Unexpected freedom to more than one and in more senses than one. For a long, long month we remained in our dark and dreary prison during which dismal time we did not see the face of a human being except that of the silent savage who brought us our daily food. There have been one or two seasons in my life during which I have felt as if the darkness of sorrow and desolation that crushed my inmost heart could never pass away until death should make me cease to feel. The present was such a season. During the first part of our confinement we felt a cold chill at our hearts every time we heard a footfall near the cave, dreading lest it should prove to be that of our executioner. But as time dragged heavily on we ceased to feel this alarm and began to experience such a deep irrepressible longing for freedom that we chafed and fredded in our confinement like tigers. Then a feeling of despair came over us and we actually longed for the time when the savages would take us forth to die. But these changes took place very gradually and were mingled sometimes with brighter thoughts. For there were times when we sat in that dark cavern on our ledge of rock and conversed almost pleasantly about the past until we well nigh forgot the dreary present. But we seldom ventured to touch upon the future. A few decayed leaves and bows formed our bed and a scanty supply of yams and tarot brought to us once a day constituted our food. Well, Ralph, how have you slept? said Jack in a listless tone on rising one morning from his humble couch. Were you much disturbed by the wind last night? No, said I. I dreamed of home all night and I thought that my mother smiled upon me and beckoned me to go to her, but I could not for I was chained. And I dreamed too, said Peterkin, but it was of our happy home on the Coral Island. I thought we were swimming in the water garden. Then the savages gave a yell and we were immediately in the cave at Spouting Cliff, which somehow or other changed into this gloomy cavern, and I awoke to find it true. Peterkin's tone was so much altered by the depressing influence of his long imprisonment that had I not known it was he who spoke, I should scarcely have recognized it. So sad was it, and so unlike to the merry cheerful voice we had been accustomed to hear. I pondered this much and thought of the terrible decline of happiness that may come on human beings in so short a time, how bright the sunshine in the sky at one time and in a short space bowed dark the overshadowing cloud. I had no doubt that the Bible would have given me much light and comfort on this subject if I had possessed one, and I once more had occasion to regret deeply, having neglected to store my memory with its consoling truths. While I meditated thus, Peterkin again broke the silence of the cave by saying in a melancholy tone, oh, I wonder if we shall ever see our dear island more. His voice trembled and covering his face with both hands, he bent down his head and wept. It was an unusual sight for me to see our once joyous companion in tears, and I felt a burning desire to comfort him, but alas, what could I say? I could hold out no hope, and although I essayed twice to speak, the words refused to pass my lips. While I hesitated, Jack sat down beside him and whispered a few words in his ear, while Peterkin threw himself on his friend's breast and rested his head on his shoulder. Thus we sat for some time in deep silence. Soon after we heard footsteps at the entrance of the cave, and immediately our jailer entered. We were so much accustomed to his regular visits, however, that we paid little attention to him, expecting that he would set down our meager fare as usual and depart. But to our surprise, instead of doing so, he advanced towards us with a knife in his hand, and, going up to Jack, he cut the thongs that bound his wrists. Then he did the same to Peterkin and me. For fully five minutes we stood in speechless amazement, with our free hands hanging idly by our sides. The first thought that rushed into my mind was that the time had come to put us to death. And although, as I have said before, we actually wished for death in the strength of our despair, now that we thought it drew really near, I felt all the natural love of life revive in my heart, mingled with a chill of horror at the suddenness of our call. But I was mistaken. After cutting our bonds, the savage pointed to the cave's mouth, and we marched almost mechanically into the open air. Here, to our surprise, we found the teacher standing under a tree with his hands clasped before him, and the tears trickling down his dark cheeks. On seeing Jack, who came out first, he sprang towards him and clasping him in his arms, exclaimed, oh my dear young friend, through the great goodness of God, you are free. Free, cried Jack, I, free, repeated the teacher, shaking us warmly by the hands again and again, free to go and come as you will. The Lord has unloosened the bonds of the captive and set the prisoners free. A missionary has been sent to us, and tarot has embraced the Christian religion. The people are even now burning their gods of wood. Come, my dear friends, and see the glorious sight. We could scarcely credit our senses. So long had we been accustomed in our cavern to dream of deliverance that we imagined for a moment this must surely be nothing more than another vivid dream. Our eyes and minds were dazzled too by the brilliant sunshine, which almost blinded us after our long confinement to the gloom of our prison, so that we felt giddy with the variety of conflicting emotions that filled our throbbing bosoms, but as we followed the footsteps of our sable friend and beheld the bright foliage of the trees and heard the cries of the parochets and smelt the rich perfume of the flowering shrubs, the truth, that we were really delivered from prison and from death, rushed with overwhelming power into our souls, and with one accord, while tears sprang to our eyes, we uttered a loud, long cheer of joy. It was replied to by a shout from a number of the natives who chanced to be near. Running towards us, they shook us by the hand with every demonstration of kindly feeling. Then they fell behind and forming a sort of procession conducted us to the dwelling of tarot. The scene that met our eyes here was one that I shall never forget. On a rude bench in front of his house sat the chief. A native stood on his left hand, who from his dress seemed to be a teacher. On his right stood an English gentleman, who I at once and rightly concluded was a missionary. He was tall, thin, and apparently past forty, with a bald forehead and thin gray hair. The expression of his countenance was the most winning I ever saw, and his clear gray eyes beamed with a look that was frank, fearless, loving, and truthful. In front of the chief was an open space, in the center of which lay a pile of wooden idols ready to be set on fire. And around these were assembled thousands of natives who had come to join in or to witness the unusual sight. A bright smile overspread the missionary's face as he advanced quickly to meet us, and he shook us warmly by the hands. I am overjoyed to meet you, my dear young friends, he said. My friend and your friend, the teacher, has told me your history, and I thank our father in heaven with all my heart that he has guided me to this island and made me the instrument of saving you. We thanked the missionary most heartily and asked him in some surprise how he had succeeded in turning the heart of tarot in our favor. I will tell you that at a more convenient time, he answered, meanwhile, we must not forget the respect due to the chief. He waits to receive you. In the conversation that immediately followed between us and tarot, the latter said that the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ had been sent to the island, and that to it we were indebted for our freedom. Moreover, he told us that we were at liberty to depart in our schooner whenever we pleased, and that we should be supplied with as much provision as we required. He concluded by shaking hands with us warmly and performing the ceremony of rubbing noses. This was indeed good news to us, and we could hardly find words to express our gratitude to the chief and to the missionary. And what an avatar, inquired Jack. The missionary replied by pointing to a group of natives in the midst of whom the girl stood. Beside her was a tall strapping fellow whose noble men and heir of superiority bespoke him a chief of no ordinary kind. That youth is her lover. He came this very morning in his work anew to treat with tarot for avatar. He is to be married in a few days, and afterwards returns to his island home with his bride. That's capital, said Jack, as he stepped up to the savage and gave him a hearty shake of the hand. I wish you joy, my lad, and you too, avatar. As Jack spoke, avatar's lover took him by the hand and led him to the spot where tarot in the missionary stood, surrounded by most of the chief men of the tribe. The girl herself followed and stood on his left hand while her lover stood on his right, and commanding silence made the following speech which was translated by the missionary. Young friend, you have seen few years, but your head is old. Your heart also is large and very brave. I and avatar are your debtors, and we wish in the midst of this assembly to acknowledge our debt and to say that it is one which we can never repay. You have risked your life for one who was known to you only for a few days, but she was a woman in distress, and that was enough to secure to her the aid of a Christian man. We who live in these islands of the sea know that the true Christians always act thus. Their religion is one of love and kindness. We thank God that so many Christians have been sent here. We hope many more will come. Remember that I and avatar will think of you and pray for you and your brave comrades when you are far away. To this kind speech, Jack returned a short, sailor-like reply in which he insisted that he had only done for avatar what he would have done for any woman under the sun. But Jack's forte did not lie in speech-making, so he terminated it rather abruptly by seizing the chief's hand and shaking it violently after which he made a hasty retreat. Now then, Ralph and Peterkin, said Jack as we mingled with the crowd, it seems to me that the object we came here for having been satisfactorily accomplished, we have nothing more to do but get ready for sea as fast as we can, and hurrah for old England. That's my idea precisely, said Peterkin, endeavoring to wink, but he had wept so much of late, poor fellow, that he found it difficult. However, I'm not going away till I see these fellows burn their gods. Peterkin had his wish, for in a few minutes afterwards fire was put to the pile, the roaring flames ascended, and amid the acclamations of the assembled thousands, the false gods of mango were reduced to ashes. End of Chapter 34, Recording by Tom Weiss. Chapter 35 of the Coral Island. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Tom Weiss. The Coral Island by R. M. Valentine. Chapter 35, Conclusion. To part is the lot of all mankind. The world is a scene of constant leave-taking, and the hands that grasp incorrigible greeting today are doomed ere long to unite for the last time when the quivering lips pronounce the word farewell. It is a sad thought, but should we on that account exclude it from our minds? May not a lesson worth learning be gathered in the contemplation of it? May it not, perchance, teach us to devote our thoughts more frequently and attentively to that land where we meet but part no more. How many do we part from in this world with a light goodbye whom we never see again? Often do I think, in my meditations on this subject, that if we realized more fully the shortness of the fleeting intercourse that we have in this world with many of our fellow men, we would try more earnestly to do them good, to give them a friendly smile as it were, in passing for the longest intercourse on earth is little more than a passing word in glance, and show that we have sympathy with them in the short, quick struggle of life by our kindly words and looks and actions. The time soon drew near when we were to quit the islands of the South Seas, and strange though it may appear, we felt deep regret at parting with the natives of the island of Mango. For after they embraced the Christian faith, they sought by showing us the utmost kindness to compensate for the harsh treatment we had experienced at their hands. And we felt a growing affection for the native teachers and the missionary, and especially for Abitay and her husband. Before leaving we had many long and interesting conversations with the missionary, in one of which he told us that he had been making for the island of Rarotongo when his native-built sloop was blown out of its course during a violent gale and driven to this island. At first the natives refused to listen to what he had to say, but after a week's residence among them, Tarot came to him and said that he wished to become a Christian and would burn his idols. He proved himself to be sincere, for as we have seen, he persuaded all his people to do likewise. I used the word persuaded advisedly, for like all the other Fiji chiefs, Tarot was a despot and might have commanded obedience to his wishes, but he entered so readily into the spirit of the new faith that he perceived at once the impropriety of using constraint in the propagation of it. He set the example, therefore, and that example was followed by almost every man of the tribe. During the short time that we remained at the island repairing our vessel and getting her ready for sea, the natives had commenced building a large and commodious church under the superintendents of the missionary, and several rows of new cottages were marked out, so that the place bid fair to become, in a few months, as prosperous and beautiful as the Christian village at the other end of the island. After Avatar was married, she and her husband were sent away loaded with presents, chiefly, of an edible nature. One of the native teachers went with them for the purpose of visiting still more distant lands of the sea and spreading, if possible, the light of the glorious gospel there. As the missionary intended to remain for several weeks longer in order to encourage and confirm his new converts, Jack and Peterkin and I held the consultation in the cabin of our schooner, which we found just as we had left her, for everything that had been taken out of her was restored. We now resolved to delay our departure no longer. The desire to see our beloved native land was strong upon us, and we could not wait. Three natives volunteered to go with us to Tahiti, where we thought it likely that we should be able to procure a sufficient crew of sailors to man our vessel, so we accepted their offer gladly. It was a bright, clear morning when we hoisted the snow-white sails of the pirate schooner and left the shores of Mango. The missionary and thousands of the natives came down to bid us Godspeed and to see us sail away. As the vessel bent before a light, fair wind, we glided quickly over the lagoon under a cloud of canvas. Just as we passed through the channel in the reef, the natives gave us a loud cheer and as the missionary waved his hat while he stood on a coral rock with his gray hairs floating in the wind, we heard the single word, fair well, born faintly over the sea. That night, as we sat on the trophale, gazing out upon the wide sea and up into the starry firmament, a thrill of joy strangely mixed with sadness passed through our hearts, for we were, at length, homeward bound, and were gradually leaving far behind us the beautiful bright green coral islands of the Pacific Ocean. This is the end of The Coral Island by R. M. Valentine. Recording by Tom Weiss.