Part 6 (1/2)
Had a bomb-sh.e.l.l fallen into the midst of the sleepers, it could scarcely have produced more commotion among them. Every one sprang up violently.
”Hooroo!” shouted Larry O'Hale, ”didn't I say so? Sure it's mysilf was draimin' of ould Ireland, an' the cabin in the bog wi' that purty little crature--” He stopped abruptly, and added, ”Och! captain dear, what's wrong?”
”Hold you tongue, Larry, for a little, and keep your cheerin' till you have done fightin', for it's my opinion we may have something to do in that way ere long.”
”Faix, it's mysilf as can enjoy a taste o' that too,” said Larry, b.u.t.toning his jacket and turning up his cuffs.
By this time the canoe was approaching the pa.s.sage in the reef, and the whole party hastened to the beach, where they held a hasty council of war, for it was now clear that the canoe was one of the largest size-- capable of holding nearly a hundred men--and that it was quite full of naked savages. In a few words the captain explained to the men the character of the islanders, as ascertained by himself on previous voyages, and showed how hopeless would be their case if they turned out to be heathens.
”Now,” said he, ”we are fifteen in number, all told, with two muskets, one pistol, three or four cutla.s.ses, and a small supply of ammunition.
If these men prove to be enemies, shall we attack them, and try to take their canoe, or shall we at once lay down our arms and trust to their generosity? Peace or war, that's the question?”
Larry at once declared for war, and several of the more fiery spirits joined him, among whom was Will Osten; for the young doctor shrank with horror from the idea of being roasted and eaten!
”I vote for peace,” said the mate gloomily.
”Sure, Mr Cupples,” exclaimed Larry, ”I wonder at that, for it's little pace ye gave us aboord the _Foam_.”
”It's not possible,” continued the mate--taking no notice of the cook's remark, nor of the short laugh which followed it--”it's not possible for fifteen men, armed as we are, to beat a hundred savages, well supplied with clubs and spears--as I make no doubt they are--so I think we should trust to their friendliness.”
”Bah!” whispered Larry to the man next him; ”he knows that he's too tough and dry for any savage in his siven sinses to ait _him_, cooked or raw, and so he hopes to escape.”
”Mr Cupples is right, lads,” said the captain; ”we'd have no chance in a fair fight, an' though I make no doubt we should kill double our number in the scrimmage, what good would that do?”
Some of the men here seconded the captain; the others began to waver, and it was finally decided that they should at least begin with pacific advances.
When the council broke up, the sailors went down to the water's edge and awaited her arrival. As she came nearer, it became apparent that she was a war-canoe fill with warriors. Steadily and swiftly she advanced to within a short distance of the sh.o.r.e. Then the paddlers suddenly ceased, and she was allowed to drift slowly in, while a splendid looking savage stood up in the bow with a s.h.i.+eld on his left arm and a javelin in his right hand.
The chief, for such he evidently was, wore no clothing, except a piece of native cloth round his loins; but his whole body was elaborately tatooed with various devices; and this species of decoration, coupled with the darkness of his skin, did away very much with the appearance of nakedness. He seemed as if he had been clothed in a dark skin-tight dress. But the most conspicuous part about him was the top of his head, on which there seemed to be a large turban, which, on closer inspection, turned out to be his own hair curled and fizzed out artificially.
Altogether he was an imposing and gigantic fellow.
When about fifty yards from the sh.o.r.e, the savages checked the canoe's progress and stood up. Now was the time for action, so, according to previous arrangement, the sailors laid their weapons down on the beach, and held up their hands, at the same time making such signs of friends.h.i.+p as they thought would be understood. The savages, who were quick-witted fellows, at once ran the canoe ash.o.r.e, leaped out, and hastened towards the white men.
As they did so, Captain Dall put his telescope to his eye for a moment, wis.h.i.+ng to scan closely the features of the chief. Instantly the whole band turned with a howl, and, making towards the canoe, jumped in and pushed off.
”Ha!” exclaimed the captain, with a smile, ”these fellows have been fired at by Europeans before now. They evidently mistook my telescope for a musket.”
The savages paused, and again faced about at a short distance from the beach, and the captain sought by every imaginable sign and gesticulation to remove the bad impression he had so innocently created. He succeeded. In a short time the natives again landed and advanced towards them. On drawing near, the chief stopped and made a short speech--which, of course, none of the white men understood. To this Captain Dall replied in a short speech--which, of course, none of the natives understood. Both parties looked very amiably, however, at each other, and by degrees drew closer together, when the natives began to manifest much curiosity in reference to the costume of the sailors.
Soon they became more familiar, and the truth of the proverb, that, ”familiarity breeds contempt,” was quickly ill.u.s.trated by one of the savages seizing hold of the musket which Larry O'Hale carried. The hot blood of the Irishman instantly fired.
”Let go, ye dirty bit o' mahogany,” he cried, holding the musket tight with his left hand, and clenching his right in a threatening manner.
Captain Dall, foreseeing what would be the result of a blow, sought to create a diversion by raising his telescope to his eye. The quick-sighted savage observed the motion, let go his hold of the musket and shrank behind his comrades, who, however, did not appear disposed to screen him, for they all began to dodge behind each other until the telescope was lowered.
The temporary distraction of attention which this incident caused emboldened another savage to pounce upon the other musket, which was carried by old Bob. He wrenched it out of the sailor's hand and bounded away with a shout, swinging it over his head. Unfortunately his fingers touched the trigger and the piece exploded, knocking down the man who held it, and sending the ball close past the chief's ear.
Instantly there followed a loud yell, clubs were brandished, cutla.s.ses gleamed, and blood would certainly have been spilt had not Captain Dall suddenly seized the chief by the shoulders and rubbed noses with him.
He knew this to be the mode of salutation among some of the South Sea tribes, and sought to make a last effort at conciliation. The act was reciprocated by the chief, who signed to his men to forbear.
Captain Dall now felt convinced that any undecided course of action would only render their case more desperate, so he turned to his men with a look of authority and said sternly--