Though painted, I recognized some of them as those who
were very friendly on board the _Bertha_, and spoke to them; but they
hurried past, frowning and saying something I did not understand. They
went straight on to the chief's house, and surrounded our party. I
passed through, and stood in front of them. One very ugly-looking
customer was brandishing his spear close by me. It was an anxious
moment, and one in which I am sure many would have used firearms. I
called out to the teachers, "Remain quiet." Our chief sprung out on to
the platform in front of the house and harangued. He was very excited.
Shortly he called to the teachers, in signs and words, to bring out their
guns and fire. They refused. He then rushed into the house and seized a
gun, and was making off with it, when one of the teachers caught hold of
him. I, seeing the teacher with the chief, thought something was wrong,
and went to them. We quieted him, and did our best to explain to him
that we were no fighters, but men of peace.
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