We were now midway
between the opposing fleets, and when the enemy canoes were well within
range Hartog delivered a broadside, which had the most remarkable
effect ever witnessed in a naval engagement. Not wishing to kill the
natives if it could be avoided, since the quarrel was not ours, Hartog
directed that the first broadside should be fired over the heads of the
advancing savages, but the result was the same as if we had sunk or
crippled the hostile fleet. At the flash and sound of the cannon, with
black smoke rolling across the water towards them, the savages turned
and fled, driving their canoes back to the place whence they had come
at a pace which sent the foam flying from the paddles. But the most
unexpected part of our interference was that the savages on board the
king's canoes appeared to be as terrified as were the enemy, for they
also turned and fled towards the shore. So we had the satisfaction of
seeing the opposing fleets flying from each other without blood being
shed.
Having thus brought matters to a satisfactory conclusion, and fulfilled
our agreement with the young king to drive off the enemy fleet, we
continued our voyage, well satisfied with our first transaction.
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