CHAPTER XXV.
HOMEWARD BOUND----CONCLUSION Before an hour had passed the oncoming boat was in plain sight.
Then the castaways could see it contained four brown-skinned natives.

But, though they were savages, they were not warlike.

In fact, they waved their hands in welcome, and called encouragingly to those in the gig.
"I hope they have some water aboard," said Mr.Tarbill.

"I'd give anything for some right off the ice." "I'd be glad of some out of a tea-kettle," said the captain, for the last in the cask had been dealt out some time before.
A little later the commander was exchanging a few words with the natives, as he found he could speak a little of their language.
"We're within a few miles of the big island," he told his anxious companions.

"This is a fishing party in one of their big native canoes.