They at once went to get their clubs and spears, and begged
and insisted on presents; but they were astonished, I doubt not, to find
their begging of little avail.
"Go to the vessel, if you want presents."
"Why are you anchored so far off?"
"Can't get nearer, and only wish you would show me the way in close to
here."
Pointing to a passage close in shore, I suggested they had better take us
off, and we would try and get her round when the tide rose; but to this
they objected, and instead of becoming more friendly, it seemed to us
they were just going the other way; but that may have been merely as we
thought, looking at them through coloured glasses, suspicion, and a
certain mixture of doubt if ever we should again see the vessel. A few
men came running along the beach. I met them, and hurriedly asked them
to take us off when they would have hoop-iron and beads.
"Yes."
"Quick! do not let them think! Into the nearest canoe."
Away in the distance those in the village were shouting and
gesticulating.
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