While this conversation was taking place the two boats had reached the shore where a large body of natives had collected. The two girls were also there. The excitement was intense, as, of course, all realized that the coming of this vessel furnished means of escape from the island. “Where do you live?” inquired Mate Jenkins. “This don’t look like the likeliest place in the world to live in, now, does it?” “I must say, this side of the island is not a promising looking place,” replied the captain, “but the other side is quite different, in fact, it is a delightful place, if it were not that we are in exile here.” “How is the water supply on this side?” “Fine; it couldn’t be better or handier. Right beyond that next turn, is a stream of water as sweet and pure as one could find in many a month’s travel.” “Now, I swan, that’s good. I didn’t know but what we’d have to bring it over from the other side.” The work of filling casks which they had brought with them, and conveying them to the ship was soon begun. CHAPTER XVIII. The excitement caused by the arrival of the Eliza Judd was intense, as she was the first craft the islanders had ever seen, with the exception of the life-boat in which Captain Gray and his companions had come ashore. The water was soon dotted by dozens of canoes, bearing them out to inspect this wonder of man’s creation. “Well, is your trunk all packed for the trip home?” asked Captain Gray, with a laugh, of Mabel, who stood near him. “Well, I must say, our packing will not take us long,” she replied, “but do you know, Captain Gray, I hate to leave the island of Kaahlanai? I have been so happy here.” “Oh, nonsense, what do you find here to make you forget the life of your own country, except it may be, your handsome rascal Ahleka. There lies the secret of your liking for this country, I expect.” “Oh, of course, that has something to do with it; but still there is so much more real enjoyment in the lives of these people than at home, that I cannot bear to leave it all.” “By the way, when you get home again, what do you think your father is going to say to your attachment for Ahleka? I think myself, that he will soon put a stop to it. If he does not, he is not the sensible man I take him to be.” “He cannot put a stop to it,” said Mabel, firmly, then turned to join Ahleka who stood a few steps away. The two lovers, leaving the rest of the party, walked on in silence for some time, the heart of each too full for speech. Finally coming to a clump of trees, under which the grass was thick and long, they sat down. Ahleka was the first to break the silence by saying: “Are you going to leave Ahleka, my fair moon flower? Are you going to leave fair Kaahlanai, the isle of the sun, and once more return to your own home far across the water? What shall I do, my love, if you leave me?”