Chapter Eight.
Attack and Flight.
Old Tom and the three men had built a hut for themselves at a short distance from the missionary’s house, that they might not incommode him and his wife. He, however, kindly insisted that the two lads should continue their guests.
The more Harry saw of Mr Hart, the more anxious he became to assist him, and in order to do so he commenced studying the language of the natives.
“I wonder you take so much trouble, Harry,” observed his companion Bass; “it seems to me like labour lost, when we may at any moment be compelled to run away.”
“But I hope, if we do, we shall be able to return,” said Harry. “I think, of all the works in which man can engage, that of converting the heathen, and instructing them in the truths of the gospel, is the first and noblest. I would rather be employed in it than in any other. We look with respect on a man who has saved the life of a fellow-creature; but surely, as the soul is of infinitely more value than the body, it must be infinitely more noble to be the means of saving souls. If it were not for my mother and sister, I would rather remain out here and labour with Mr Hart than return home. But still I feel that it is my first duty to try and go back to England, that I may comfort my mother and sister, should, as I fear is the case, the Steadfast and all hands have been lost.”
“Each man to his task,” answered Dickey; “but I should have thought that you, who have a good chance of some day getting the command of a ship, would have preferred remaining at sea, even should the Steadfast be lost.”
“I have not given up all hopes of her even yet,” answered Harry; “though I cannot account for her not coming to look for us.”