LYING TO—­HEART AND INSTINCT—­SPARROWS VIEWED AS
CONSUMERS—­MIGRATIONS—­POSTING A LETTER IN THE
PACIFIC—­CANNIBALS—­ADVENTURES OF A LOCKET.

The glimpse of moonshine only lasted a second, but it was sufficient to light up the valley of the shadow of death.  All around was again enveloped in obscurity.  The moon, like a modest benefactor who hides himself from those to whose wants he has ministered, concealed itself behind its screen of blackness.

The pinnace was thrown into stays, and they resolved to lie-to till daybreak.  There might be rocks to windward as well as to leeward; at all events, they felt that their safest course lay in maintaining, as far as possible, their actual position; and, after having returned thanks for their almost miraculous escape, they made the usual arrangements for passing the night.

Next morning they found themselves in the midst of a labyrinth of rocks, from which, with the help of Providence, they succeeded in extricating themselves.  The rocks, or rather reefs, amongst which they were entangled, are very common in these seas.  As they are scarcely visible at high water, they are extremely dangerous, and often baffle the skill of the most expert navigator.

Whilst Willis steered the pinnace amongst the islands and rocks of the Hawaian Archipelago, Fritz kept a look-out for savages, fresh water, and eligible landing-places.  And Jack, after having posted up his log, set about inditing a letter for home.

“The voyage,” said he, “has lately been so prolific in adventure, that I scarcely know where to begin.”

“Begin by saluting them all round,” suggested Fritz.

“But, brother of mine, that is usually done at the end of the letter,” objected Jack.

“What then? you can repeat the salutations at the end, and you might also, for that matter, put them in the middle as well.”

“I have written lots of letters on board ship for my comrades,” remarked Willis, “and I invariably commenced by saying—­I take a pen in my hand to let you know I am well, hoping you are the same.”

“What else could you take in your hand for such a purpose, O Rono?” inquired Jack.

“Sometimes, after this preamble, I added, ‘but I am afraid.’”

“I thought you old salts were never afraid of anything, short of the Flying Dutchman.”

“Yes; but the letters I put that in were for young lubbers, who, instead of sending home half their pay, were writing for extra supplies, and were naturally in great fear that their requests would be refused.”

“I scarcely think I shall adopt that style, Willis, even though it were recognized by the navy regulations.”

“Do you think the pigeon will find its way with the letter from here to New Switzerland?” inquired Willis.

“I have no doubt about that,” replied Fritz, “it naturally returns to its nest and its affections.  If you had wings, would you not fly straight off in the direction of the Bass Rock or Ailsa Craig, to hunt up your old arm-chair?”