fair. The chiefs promised, that, if we would
reland our goods and remain with them, the
man we protected should go without molestation
on board the brig ; but, if we persevered
in leaving them, the man should be killed
before our eyes. This was what we expected ;
and though I really now wished to leave them,
being quite tired of these perpetual broils, we
assented, in order that the man’s life might
be spared. When they found we agreed to
their proposal, they retreated out of sight,
thereby carefully avoiding polluting their eyes
by looking upon their enemy.
No sooner had they disappeared than I
visited the poor fellow who had been the cause
of all this disturbance : he seemed half dead
with anxiety; but I soon revived him with
the information that all was settled amicably;
and we lost no time in getting him off, which
we safely accomplished : though, as the boat
which conveyed him left the shore, a bullet
whizzed close by me, aimed, no doubt, by
some young fiery chief who had concealed
himself in the bushes for that purpose.
During this transaction I witnessed the
natural kindness of heart and disinterested
tenderness of the female sex : no matter how
distressing the circumstance or appalling the
danger, they are, in all countries, the last to
forsake man. While the enraged chiefs were
yelling outside our house, and all our exertions
could scarcely prevent them from making
a forcible entry, all the women were sitting
with, and trying to comfort the unhappy cause
of this calamity. They had cooked for him a
delicate dinner; brought him fruit, and were
using every means by which they could keep
up his spirits, and buoy up his hopes; confidently
assuring him the white men would not
yield him up to his ferocious foes. Notwithstanding
all their exertions, he was miserable,
till informed by me of his safety ; and I received
the warmest thanks, and even blessings
from his “ fair ” friends, as if I had conferred
upon each a personal favour.
The man being now in safety, we determined
to demand satisfaction for the affront
which had been put upon us, arid we sent
George word we could not again receive him
into our house unless he made an ample