somewhat better constructed than others of its kind. The tree which
formed its support was cut off at a distance of twelve feet or
thereabouts from the root, and there were several branches left just
below the cut, these serving to extend the covering, and in this way
prevent its flapping about the trunk. The covering, too, which consisted
of four very large skins fastened together with wooden skewers, was
secured at the bottom with pegs driven through it and into the ground.
The floor was strewed with a quantity of dry leaves by way of carpet.

To this hut we were conducted with great solemnity, and as many of the
natives crowded in after us as possible. Too-wit seated himself on the
leaves, and made signs that we should follow his example. This we did,
and presently found ourselves in a situation peculiarly uncomfortable,
if not indeed critical. We were on the ground, twelve in number, with
the savages, as many as forty, sitting on their hams so closely
around us that, if any disturbance had arisen, we should have found it
impossible to make use of our arms, or indeed to have risen to our feet.
The pressure was not only inside the tent, but outside, where probably
was every individual on the whole island, the crowd being prevented from
trampling us to death only by the incessant exertions and vociferations
of Too-wit. Our chief security lay, however, in the presence of Too-wit
himself among us, and we resolved to stick by him closely, as the
best chance of extricating ourselves from the dilemma, sacrificing him
immediately upon the first appearance of hostile design.

After some trouble a certain degree of quiet was restored, when
the chief addressed us in a speech of great length, and very nearly
resembling the one delivered in the canoes, with the exception that the
Anamoo-moos! were now somewhat more strenuously insisted upon than the
Lama-Lamas! We listened in profound silence until the conclusion of this
harangue, when Captain Guy replied by assuring the chief of his eternal
friendship and goodwill, concluding what he had to say be a present of
several strings of blue beads and a knife. At the former the monarch,
much to our surprise, turned up his nose with some expression of
contempt, but the knife gave him the most unlimited satisfaction, and he
immediately ordered dinner. This was handed into the tent over the
heads of the attendants, and consisted of the palpitating entrails of a
specials of unknown animal