This, however, appeared to be provided with out-riggers, to preserve the equilibrium, and six savages, with a sort of oars, made it fly like the wind.

When it passed the part of the island where we were, we hailed it as loudly as we could; the savages answered by frightful cries, but showed no intention of approaching us or entering the bay; on the contrary, they went on with great rapidity, continuing their cries.

I followed them with my eyes as far as I could in speechless emotion; for either my fancy deceived me, or I faintly distinguished a form of fairer complexion than the dark-hued beings who surrounded him--features or dress I could not see; on the whole, it was a vague impression, that I trembled alike to believe or to doubt.

Ernest, more active than I, had climbed a sand-bank, and, with his telescope, had commanded a better view of the canoe.

He watched it round a point of land, and then came down almost as much agitated as myself.