We had several things stolen,
and amongst other things a camp oven, which we miss much. Yet these are
things which must be borne, and we can hope that some day their stealing
propensities will change. From a very unexpected source, and in a very
unexpected manner, the whole prospects of this eastern mission seemed all
at once to be upset. I do not think I can do better than extract my
journal for the next few days.
_December_ 29_th_.--About twelve o'clock three lads from the _Mayri_ came
ashore to cut firewood. One of them came to me, saying, "I 'fraid, sir,
our captain he too fast with natives. One big fellow he come on board,
and he sit down below. Captain he tell him get up; he no get up. Captain
he get sword, and he tell him, s'pose he no get up he cut head off; he
get up, go ashore. I fear he no all right." They left me and went
towards the sawpit. Some men were clearing at the back of my house, some
were putting up a cook-house, and the teachers were sawing wood. On the
cook-house being finished, I was paying the men, when, on hearing a great
noise, I rose up and saw those who were at the sawpit running away and
leaping the fence, and heard firing as if from the vessel.
Pages:
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81