A slight scuffle took place, but was soon over. The mate missed
some of his hoop-iron, caught one young man with a piece, and took it
from him. The crowd increased. I told the chief I should prefer his
people unarmed, and not so noisy. He spoke to them, some put down their
clubs and spears; but they were hidden in the bush close by. We bade the
chief good-bye, but he expressed a great wish to see me in the boat.
Apparently with great carelessness, we made towards the beach, attended
by a noisy crowd, all arms now picked up. Remembering the difficulty we
had in landing, and knowing savages preferred killing out of their own
villages, hospitality having ended when friends left the precincts, I
determined not to have that crowd near the boat. I asked the chief to
send them back; but to him they would not listen, and still the noisy
crowd followed on. I shouted to them to return, and not come troubling
us, as we were getting into the boat. No use; on they followed, and the
boat they meant to visit.
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