trees, distant villages of circular huts, beyond them far-stretching
forests and a smoking volcano; on the hither side bays alive with carved
and painted canoes, near at hand a gathering crowd of half-naked
savages--such were the objects that filled his vision.

"So this is me diocese," he said, without feeling the least surprise.
"Well, the climate is deloightful. Let us hope that the coky-nuts will
agree wid us, an' that the natives won't urge upon us the blissins av
martyrdom. Professor, what may be the spiritual condition av things
hereaway, do ye think?"

"A clear field--not a convert yet. Your predecessor, who went through
the office of being eaten a year ago, had not even learned the
language."

"The blissid saints watch over us! To hear the likes av that, whin I
expected to be a god, like, among these wretches! Well, it's our duty we
must do, Heller; we mustn't run away from our post; indade, we can't.
Moreover, I feel a sthrong confidence that the howly Catholic Church is
to be greatly glorified by me on these islands. What do ye say now to
meself exhibitin' the gift av miracles an' tongues? If I should
discoorse to these cannebals in their own contimptible language, would
it surprise ye, Heller?"

"No," smiled the professor. "I have seen greater marvels in my time. I
have seen men preach not merely words, but feelings and faiths, that
they were ignorant of."

Father Higgins, closely followed by Heller, now advanced to a green
hillock, a few rods from the shelly and pebbly beach, knelt down upon