them in a friendly manner, but when they laid their case before him, he
shrugged his shoulders and said: "I am very sorry, indeed. You have
come just eight hours too late. The 'St. George' sailed this morning
at two with the tide and a favorable wind."

"What is to be done?" questioned the Father.

"We will send your papers to Melbourne and Sidney and have the Captain
and Lihoa arrested when they put into port. That is all that can be
done," answered the Chief.

Matters had to be left thus. Mr. Black returned to his office to make
out the necessary documents, and Father Somazzo to the College to
commend both boys to God and his ministering angels.




CHAPTER VII.

An Unexpected Departure.

On the morning following the Chinese New Year, with a favoring west
wind the "St. George" put to sea with Green at the helm, because the
Captain was unable to find a man that he liked better, who was capable
of taking his place. Restlessly the Captain paced up and down the
deck, gazing at the island in the moonlight until it was lost in the
sea. As soon as the morning light gave better opportunities, he
climbed to the crow's nest and with a field glass searched the western
horizon, and not until the sun was well up did he push the glass