This hearing, the Parki's captain was much gratified; he, poor ignorant, never before having fallen in with any of their treacherous race.

And, no doubt, he imagined that their influence over the Islanders would tend to his advantage.

At all events, he made presents to the Cholos; who, in turn, provided him with additional divers from among the natives.
Very kindly, also, they pointed out the best places for seeking the oysters.

In a word, they were exceedingly friendly; often coming off to the brigantine, and sociably dining with the captain in the cabin; placing the salt between them and him.
All things went on very pleasantly until, one morning, the half- breeds prevailed upon the captain to go with them, in his whale-boat, to a shoal on the thither side of the island, some distance from the spot where lay the brigantine.

They so managed it, moreover, that none but the Lahineese under Samoa, in whom the captain much confided, were left in custody of the Parki; the three white men going along to row; for there happened to be little or no wind for a sail.
Now, the fated brig lay anchored within a deep, smooth, circular lagoon, margined on all sides but one by the most beautiful groves.
On that side, was the outlet to the sea; perhaps a cable's length or more from where the brigantine had been moored.