they had managed to unfasten, and, protected by the darkness, had got
away. While the sailor was telling his companions of his awful
experience Lihoa told Peppo what to say to the Captain, and to add
force to the words, the Chinamen in a body attended the small
interpreter on his mission. Great was the noise and excitement
following his announcement, but how could a handful of men oppose three
hundred Chinaman? Willy was ready to stay behind.

"Tommy," he said to the helmsman, "leave me here with Peppo and my
uncle. In the boat I'd only be in the way. I'll pray that you may
return soon. Good luck to you. Be brave of heart, Tommy, and may your
holy guardian angel watch over you."

Those embarking promised faithfully to come back or to send help as
soon as possible, and parted with tears in their eyes. Tommy kissed
Willy and said: "God knows that if I do not put my faith in your
guardian angel there is little hope of ever seeing you again on this
earth. Once more good-bye until we meet again. Pray for us all,
little one."

Thereupon he sprang into the boat, and they were off. The moon was
full and in its light they could be seen as they passed through the
opening in the reef. Again they called farewell and waved their
handkerchiefs. The crew raised the sail and in a few moments the stiff
breeze had carried the little boat beyond the tongue of land and out of
sight. With hearts too full for utterance the men sat and wondered
what the future would bring. If by chance the boat fell in with a
merchant vessel--not a likely thing, as few vessels frequented this
route--help might come soon, otherwise under the most favorable of
circumstances they must wait for months for Green to go to Australia