But the same kind Providence who had preserved them when their parents and the crew of the unfortunate ship were murdered, still watched over and protected these despairing orphans. The day of their deliverance came quite unexpectedly. An English vessel arrived at the island, and cast her anchor near the shore. The natives immediately manned their canoes, and flocked on board, to trade with the strangers. John was permitted to go with the others, and when on the deck of the vessel, he told the captain and officers all about the shipwreck, the murder of the crew and passengers, and his own and his brother's captivity. [Illustration] The kind captain listened to his story, and then set at once about effecting the release of the two boys, which he easily accomplished, and William soon joined John on board of the vessel, where Dupper also appeared, to take leave of his young friends. The kind native was quite sad at the parting, and shed tears of regret as he bade them farewell. But the boys were too happy in the expectation of seeing home once more, to grieve at parting with him, although he had been more kind to them than any of his countrymen. The next morning early, the ship set sail, and after visiting various places, she finally reached England in safety, where our two orphans were restored to their surviving friends, by whom they were kindly taken care of. Let us hope these little boys were ever grateful to their Heavenly Father, who had watched over and preserved them amid all their trials and sufferings, and finally enabled them to reach their home and friends. And let us all remember, that we can trust in Him, for He is able to preserve us, as well in the hour of danger as in that of fancied security and safety. Our lives are in His hands at all times, and it is from His mercy and goodness that we are fed, and clothed, and enjoy the many blessings which He constantly bestows upon us.