VU1 PREFACE. 
the way of the Cape of Good Hope, India, and 
Australia, he sought a passage. Finally, at 
Callao, in Peru, he met the owner of a launch, 
who, on the condition of Mr. Nobbs's fitting 
her out, agreed to accompany him to Pitcairn. 
Mr. Nobbs fitted her himself, and expended what 
little money he possessed. The owner was in 
ill-health : nevertheless these two left Callao by 
themselves, on a voyage of 3,500 miles, which 
they accomplished in forty-two days. The 
owner died soon after their arrival. The launch 
was hauled on shore, and her materials used to 
build a house for Mr. Nobbs. 
"I was four days on shore at Pitcairn, in 
constant discourse with the islanders. I am 
convinced that the time and the opportunity 
have arrived for giving them a minister of our 
Church ; and that Mr. Nobbs is the person they 
wish, and the person at present best adapted for 
them. 1 '' 
Amidst all the attentions which Mr. Nobbs 
received during his short sojourn in England, 
the thought of his flock at Pitcairn was evi- 
dently uppermost in his mind. Those who felt 
an interest in him, having heard of the virtuous 
