tentions are clearly peaceful.
Whether that will last will depend upon whether they think there is a
chance of success or not. At present all we have to do is to take
advantage of it, and to get what we want on board."

By this time the canoe was approaching the side of the ship. The four
chiefs ascended the ladder, followed by four or five of lower rank who
had been seated near them. As they reached the deck the principal chief
turned round and shouted an order in a loud voice. Its effect was
immediate. The canoe in which they had arrived at once paddled away to a
short distance, while the smaller craft, which had before been drifting
slowly towards the vessel, also retired and lay huddled behind the large
canoe.

CHAPTER VII.

A SAVAGE SURPRISE.

The captain led the way on to the poop, the chiefs and the natives with
them following, while the first officer with the six sailors with sabres
kept in their rear. Once on the quarter-deck Mr. Ryan ranged three of
the men by the bulwark on either side, telling them to sheath their
cutlasses, but to be prepared for instant action in case of treachery.
The chiefs preserved a stolid demeanour, scarce glancing at the
passengers, who were gathered on the poop. At the captain's orders the
steward brought up a number of cushions and placed them on the deck in a
circle. The captain seated himself on one and motioned to the chiefs to
follow his example, which they did without hesitation. Mr. Ryan now
brought up a number of things as presents for the chiefs, and each was
presented with a hand mirror, a roll of scarlet cloth, and some
trinkets, as a small supply of these had been brought on board for trade
with the natives in case of the necessity arising.

The head chief was in addition presented with an axe, and rolls of
coloured cotton strings of glass beads and some brass rings were given
to the inferior chiefs. The natives appeared pleased with their
presents. The captain then addressed them, and endeavoured to explain
that he wanted a supply of water. An empty barrel was brought up and
some water poured into this, and the captain then pointed to the shore,
and by gestures intimated that he wished the barrels to be taken ashore
and filled. The chiefs evidently understood the explanation, and nodded
their assent. The captain then led them to the stump of the mainmast,
pointed to the shore, and taking an axe imitated the action of chopping,
and showed that he wanted th