on concluded that if treachery was intended the present
was not the time at which it would be shown. The crew were all on deck,
and the natives must have known their arms were close at hand, for each
day a few of those who came to trade had been permitted to come on deck,
partly to show confidence on the part of those on board, partly that the
visitors might see the arms lying in readiness for use, and be able to
report on shore that the ship was not to be taken by surprise.

No sooner was the spar alongside than a couple of sailors lowered
themselves down and passed ropes round it. These ropes were then passed
through blocks and taken to the capstan. The bars were fitted and seized
by a dozen men. The boatswain's whistle sounded, and starting their
anchor song the men tramped round and round, the ropes tightened, and
the heavy spar was parbuckled up on to the deck. No sooner was it got
on board than the four chiefs who had before visited the ship came
alongside. There was another talk, and they were presented with a
considerable number of presents for themselves and followers as a reward
for their service in sending off the spar. Mr. Atherton and Wilfrid did
not approach the group of passengers round the chiefs, keeping their
attention vigilantly upon the boats, from which the danger, if it
existed, would come.

The Allens, however, in accordance with Mr. Atherton's instructions,
watched the natives closely, and noticed as they came on deck they cast
quick and scrutinizing glances round them as if to see what were the
chances of a surprise. Mr. Ryan, however, had, when he saw the great
canoe approaching, placed ten men with muskets on guard, and the chiefs
doubtless perceived that a surprise could not be effected. After a stay
of about a quarter of an hour the chiefs departed with their presents,
of which, by the care they took of it, it was evident that they
considered a case of rum to be by far the most precious. No sooner was
the trunk of the pine fairly on board than a gang of men provided with
adzes began, under the direction of the carpenter, to prepare it. The
bark was chipped off, the stumps of the branches shaved close, and they
then began to chip it down to the required thickness from end to end.

"It will make a fine spar," the captain said in a tone of great
satisfaction, after he had examined it. "I think it will do for her
permanent mast. If it will it will save us a lot of trouble when we get
into Well