CHAPTER XVIII.
FIRST ENCOUNTER WITH THE NATIVES.
Only once during their tedious imprisonment had our lads received evidence that human beings existed in that desolate country, and after they gained this information they hardly knew whether to rejoice or to regret that it had come to them.

One morning, some weeks after their arrival in the basin, to which they had given the name of "Locked Harbour," Cabot, going on deck for a breath of air, made a discovery so startling that, for a moment, he could hardly credit the evidence of his eyes.

Then he shouted to White: "Come up here quick, old man, and take in the sight." As the latter, who had been lighting a fire in the galley stove, obeyed this call, Cabot pointed to the beach, on which stood a row of human figures, gazing at the schooner as stolidly as so many graven images.
"Indians!" cried White, "and perhaps we can get them to show us the way to the nearest mission." "Good enough!" rejoined Cabot in high excitement.

"Let's go ashore and interview them before they have a chance to disappear as mysteriously as they have appeared.

Where do you suppose they came from ?" "Can't imagine, and doubt if they'll ever tell.