An old woman, when at the point, came out and
asked them what they meant, and followed us, talking to them all the way,
so dividing their thoughts. An old chief, whom we saw on our way up,
came hurriedly along to meet us, calling out, "Mine is the peace! What
have these foreigners done that you want to kill them?" He closed up to
the teacher, and took him by the hand. Another chief walked close behind
me. They began to talk loudly amongst themselves. Some were finding
fault that we should have been allowed to get near the village, and
others that there was yet time. The boat was anchored some distance off:
we got her nearer; and, when ready to move off to the boat, I opened my
satchel, gave hoop-iron to our friends the chiefs, and threw beads
amongst the crowd. I shouted for Kapumari, and a sturdy young fellow
fought his way through the crowd. I gave him a piece of hoop-iron, and,
with our friendly chiefs, he forced the crowd back, calling on us to be
quick, and follow. So into the water we got, the chiefs calling, "Go
quick; go quick!" We got on board; our Chinamen got flustered, and very
nearly let the boat drift broadside on the beach; we, with poles and
oars, got her round and off, sails set, and away for Kerepunu.
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