Page 376 - Child's own book

perous voynge : and, however strange it may appear, discovered
not the least token of regret at bidding adieu to bis old ship-
mates, but took his leave with as much unconcern as if they
were only going to sail a few leagues, and then return.
The Oroolong was now put in motion, and sailed towards the
reef, or dangerous part of the sea which surrounds the rocksat a
distance from the island, and which was the destruction of their
former vessel, the Antelope. Although each part was as full
of the obliging presents of the natives as she could conveniently
hold,yetthecommon people surrounded the vessel in theircanoes,
full of additional presents, begging and entreating they might be
accepted: in vain were they told that they could require no more;
each held up something, and, repeated with supplicating counte­

nances and eyes full of tears,"Only thisfrom me; only this from
me." This fascinating scene affected every one of the crew ; nor
can this picture of pure friendship, exhibited by the unlettered
natives of P elew , be exceeded, it is supposed, by any other in the
known world. Several canoes went before the vessel to point out
the safest track over the dangerous leef; by which means she
safely cleared that formidable barrier. Abba Thuile took an
uficctionule leave of Lee Boo, wishing him all happiness and
prosperity, and concluded with giving him his blessing, which
was received with the greatest respect. W ith watery eyes he
then advanced to Captain Wilson, and embraced him with the
greatest tenderness, showing by his voice and gestures how dis­
tressed he was to bid him finally farewell. He shook hands with
all the officers in the most cordial manner, saying, "Y ou ute
happy because you are going home: I am happy to find you are
happy: but still 1 am very unhappy to see you are going a w a y .”
Then assuring them that he most sincerely and earnestly wished
them a prosperous voyage, he went into his canoe. Kaa Kook,
the king’s eldest brother, would still continue in the Oroolong, to
a u