The obstinacy of hatred was being gradually overcome by the superior pertinacity of zeal in a good cause, and the invariable practise--so incomprehensible to the savage mind--of returning good for evil.

The result was that the Sabbath bell still sent its tinkling sound over the verdant slopes above Sandy Cove, and the hymn of praise still arose, morning and evening, from the little church, which, composed partly of wood, partly of coral rock, had been erected under the eye, and, to a large extent, by the hands, of the missionary.
But false friends within the camp were more dangerous and troublesome to Mr.Mason than avowed enemies without.

Some of the European traders, especially, who settled on the island a few years after the missionary had made it habitable, were the worst foes he had to contend with.
In the same vessel that brought the missionary to the island, there came a widow, Mrs.Stuart, with her son Henry, then a stout lad of thirteen.
The widow was not, however, a member of the missionary's household.

She came there to settle with her son, who soon built her a rudely-constructed but sufficiently habitable hut, which, in after years, was inclosed, and greatly improved; so that it at last assumed the dimensions of a rambling picturesque cottage, whitewashed, brilliant, and neat in its setting of bright green.
The widow, although not an official assistant to the missionary, was nevertheless a most efficient one.

She taught in his schools, being familiar with the native tongue; and, when the settlement grew in numbers, both of white and black, she became known as the good angel of the place,--the one who was ever ready with sympathy for the sorrowful, and comfort for the dying.