Everything was at last ready.  The canoe was brought round into the lagoon to load.  We all assembled.  One of the native missionaries offered up in his own tongue some earnest prayers for our safety, and thanksgiving for mercies bestowed.  Mr Brand followed his example in English.  Then all went on board--the women and children first; the missionaries went next, followed by the chief and the sailors; and we five Englishmen, with Surley, brought up the rear.  Another hymn was sung, the canoe was cast loose, the seamen seized their paddles, and slowly, to the music of a hymn sung by all the natives, we paddled out of the lagoon.  The sea was smooth, though there was a fresh breeze; the sail was hoisted, and away we glided at a rapid rate to the eastward.