A TONGAMAN SAVED FROM DROWNING. 119 



and made us as comfortable as his means permitted. 

 This man and a boy had been saved from drowning 

 by our interpreter, Mr. Charles Wise, whom he wel- 

 comed with cordiality. When picked up at sea, he had 

 been several days in the water incredible as it may 

 appear. His canoe had been upset, and his companions, 

 all good swimmers, had against his entreaties separated 

 from him, and they had all perished, being probably 

 eaten by sharks These animals were furious in their 

 attacks, and Peter killed several of them with his knife 

 during the time he was in the water ; they troubled 

 him little during the night, but became very rapacious 

 as soon as daylight was established. He was also at- 

 tacked by a small sea-animal which bored regular holes 

 into his flesh, and would have caused his death if he 

 had not been speedily delivered. When Wise took him 

 on board, he was perfectly exhausted, and continually 

 cried for water. Every means were used to restore his 

 strength ; his body was oiled, and food and drink given 

 to him. 



When the moon rose we took our departure, and 

 early next morning reached Lado Alewa, in Port Kin- 

 naird. 



