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Updated: June 24, 2025
"You do not know," said he, turning to Jack, "the danger you run in venturing amongst these ferocious savages. I feel much pity for poor Avatea; but you are not likely to succeed in saving her, and you may die in the attempt." "Well," said Jack quietly, "I am not afraid to die in a good cause."
After Avatea was married, she and her husband were sent away, loaded with presents, chiefly of an edible nature. One of the native teachers went with them, for the purpose of visiting still more distant islands of the sea, and spreading, if possible, the light of the glorious gospel there.
I feel myself entitled to at least one minute morsel." Were it not that you are incapable of walking upon the water, I would order you, sir, out of the canoe." "There! you've awakened Avatea with your long tongue," retorted Peterkin with a frown, as the girl gave vent to a deep sigh. "No," he continued, "it was only a snore. Perchance she dreameth of her black Apollo.
Why, girl what's wrong with you? You look just like a black owl blinking in the sunshine." Avatea smiled. "I sleepy," she said; and as if to prove the truth of this, she laid her head on the edge of the canoe and fell fast asleep. "That's uncommon sharp practice," said Peterkin, with a broad grin.
"You are very bold," replied the chief, haughtily, "but very foolish. Yet I will say that Avatea shall not be sent away, at least for three days." "You had better accept these terms," whispered the teacher, entreatingly. "If you persist in this mad defiance, you will be slain, and Avatea will be lost. Three days are worth having."
"Perhaps," said Peterkin, "the chief means she is an angel come down to stay here for a while. If so, she's an uncommonly black one!" We did not feel quite satisfied with this explanation, so Jack went up to her and said "Avatea." The woman smiled sadly and nodded her head, at the same time pointing to her breast and then to the sun in the same manner as the chief had done.
We, who live in these islands of the sea, know that the true Christians always act thus. Their religion is one of love and kindness. We thank God that so many Christians have been sent here; we hope many more will come. Remember that I and Avatea will think of you and pray for you and your brave comrades when you are far away."
Then turning towards the youngest of the women, who was seated at the door of the bower, he pointed to her; whereupon the chief said, "Avatea;" and pointing towards the sun, raised his finger slowly towards the zenith, where it remained steadily for a minute or two. "What can that mean, I wonder," said Jack, looking puzzled.
We had not stood more than five minutes under the gloomy shade of the thick foliage when a dark figure glided noiselessly up to us. "Ah, here you are!" said Jack as Avatea approached. "Now, then, tell her what we've come about, and don't waste time." "I understan' leetl' English," said Avatea in a low voice. "Why, where did you pick up English?" exclaimed Jack in amazement.
We advanced to meet him, and he expressed, through our interpreter, much pleasure in seeing us. "And what, is it that my friends wish to say to me?" he inquired. The teacher explained that we came to beg that Avatea might be spared.
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