58 
MISSIONARY TOUR 
gathered some fern leaves, they strewed them on the 
lava, and laid down to repose. 
On the morning of the 11th, the party still felt un¬ 
willing to return without reaching the top of the moun¬ 
tain, and hesitated before they began again to descend; 
but having been a day and two nights without water, 
and seeing no prospect of procuring any there, they 
were obliged to direct their steps towards Kairua. 
They walked several miles along the rough stream 
of lava by which they had ascended, till they arrived 
at the woody part of the mountain. Two of them, in 
searching for a more direct road to Kairua, discovered 
an excellent spring of water. They soon communi¬ 
cated the agreeable intelligence to their companions, 
who hastened to the spot, and, with copious draughts, 
quenched their thirst. Having filled their canteens, 
they, with renewed strength and grateful hearts, kept 
on their way to the town. 
Owing to the roughness of the paths, and the circui¬ 
tous route by which they travelled, they did not arrive 
at Kairua until after sun-set, much fatigued, and 
almost barefoot, their shoes having been destroyed by 
the sharp projections in the lava. 
They refreshed themselves at the governor’s, and 
after uniting with him and his family in an evening 
tribute of praise to God, they repaired to their lodg- 
.ings, somewhat disappointed, yet well repaid for the 
toil of their journey. 
