CHAPTER XVII.
FACING THE WORST.
Muriel, meanwhile, sat alone in her hut, frightened at Felix's unexpected disappearance so early in the morning, and anxiously awaiting her lover's return, for she made no pretences now to herself that she did not really love Felix.

Though the two might never return to Europe to be husband and wife, she did not doubt that before the eye of Heaven they were already betrothed to one another as truly as though they had plighted their troth in solemn fashion.

Felix had risked his life for her, and had brought all this misery upon himself in the attempt to save her.

Felix was now all the world that was left her.

With Felix, she was happy, even on this horrible island; without him, she was miserable and terrified, no matter what happened.
"Mali," she cried to her faithful attendant, as soon as she found Felix was missing from his tent, "what's become of Mr.Thurstan?
Where can he be gone, I wonder, this morning ?" "You no fear, Missy Queenie," Mali answered, with the childish confidence of the native Polynesian.