Mabel interrupted the conversation at this point by rushing up to Captain Gray and Etta, exclaiming: “What can be the matter! Listen, what is it?” Listening a moment they could hear the shouts of hundreds of voices, which before, they had been too much occupied to notice. As they looked, they saw Allen running in the direction of the village, waving his arms wildly; he was closely followed by hundreds of the inhabitants of Howcu, all gesticulating and shouting. The sight filled the hearts of Mabel, Etta and Captain Gray with a horrible fear. Allen had, perhaps, done something to anger the people of his village and they were pursuing him that they might wreak their vengeance upon him, and he, in his extremity, had come to Nahua to seek protection with them. The thought filled the heart of each of the three, as they saw the mad rush onward of the men and women who followed him. Mabel ran to Ahleka, who was crossing toward the place where the two frightened girls and Captain Gray stood. Throwing herself into his arms she cried, “Save us Ahleka, save us! Do not let them kill your brother. Call on your young men to get their spears in readiness to protect us from these people.” He held her closely in his arms but laughed heartily at her fears. “Why, my precious moonflower, it is a shout of joy, not a battle cry you hear. There has happened some great thing at Howcu and they are coming to tell us of it.” By now, Allen had reached them and dropping, almost exhausted, upon the ground, exclaimed: “A ship! A ship!” “What do you say, a ship? Do you mean that you have seen a ship?” asked the listeners, in a breath. “Yes, a vessel of some description. I do not know whether it is a ship, a barque or what. But whatever she is, she is making for the island, I am sure.” The listeners could hardly believe their ears; they quickly ascended the burial hill, which was the highest point on the island. They could then plainly see the vessel, which Captain Gray pronounced to be a barque. She was some little distance out, but it was evident that she meant, in some manner, to reach the island. The anxious group watched every movement of the men, who could be seen lowering away a boat, which was manned by eight sturdy sailors. They finally set out for the island. Now, there was but one safe approach to that side of the island, and that was at the point where Captain Gray and his party had come ashore three years before.