Presents
of beads were handed to little children in arms, but indignantly
returned. Loud laughing in the outskirts of crowd and little jostling.
"Gould," said I to the mate, "I think we had better get away from here;
keep eyes all round, and let us make quietly to the beach."
To the chief I said, "Friend, I am going; you stay." Lifting his
eyebrows, he said, "Go."
We were followed by the crowd, one man with a large round club walking
behind me, and uncomfortably near. Had I that club in my hand, I should
feel a little more comfortable. When on the beach we saw the canoes had
left the vessel, and were hurrying ashore; our boat was soon afloat,
still, we had some distance to go. I must have that club, or I fear that
club will have me. I had a large piece of hoop-iron, such as is highly
prized by the natives, in my satchel; taking it, I wheeled quickly round,
presented it to the savage, whose eyes were dazzled as with a bar of
gold. With my left hand I caught the club, and before he became
conscious of what was done I was heading the procession, armed as a
savage, and a good deal more comfortable.
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