214 Letter XVII, 
Mr. and Mrs. Inglis, the rest of the party remaining at the 
harbour. One morning I was awakened by the cry of “ Sail 
ho!” and dressing hastily and rushing out, I observed a 
schooner sailing along the coast as if for Anelcauhat harbour. 
A boat was immediately got ready, and on reaching the harbour 
I had the pleasure of seeing the vessel lying safely there at anchor. 
She proved to be the “ Sea Witch,”—a fore-and-aft schooner of 
eighty tons, from the northern New Hebrides to Fiji, with na- 
tives. An arrangement was made with the owner to convey 
us and our baggage to New Caledonia for a consideration ; the 
natives to be landed on the islet of Inyug, and await the re- 
turn of the vessel. The party comprised Mrs. Goodwill and 
child, Captain and Mrs. Jenkins and myself, aft ; and the two 
mates, crew, and native teachers, for’ard. We sailed on Wed- 
nesday, the r2th of February. 
It was about ten months since I first saw the scene 
which was now fading from our view. Then it was morn- 
ing; the newly-risen sun was casting a brilliant light upon the 
hills, and the walls of the great white church: now it was 
evening; and the darkness, as well as the ever-increasing 
distance, blended all things into one neutral grey; but as long 
as we could see anything, our eyes rested on the gleaming 
white hull of the old “‘ Dayspring” as she lay dismasted and 
doomed on her rocky bed., 
The two scenes were quite appropriate to the occasions, and 
would form studies for an artist. Scene 1—TZhe jirst sight of 
the tropics: Bright morning, fine breeze rippling the surface of 
the ocean, the lovely island resting on its bosom, with the 
vessel careering merrily towards it; passengers all on the 
alert, gazing eagerly and joyously on the beautiful and un- 
wonted prospect, ever growing more and more distinct. 
Scene I].—TZhe last sight of the tropics: Dull evening, strong 
breeze, island in shadow, vessel plunging sullenly away from it, 
and the passengers gazing pensively back at the scene of 
