eir own modes of fighting, and
were so bent on success, that Unus did not hesitate to give it as his
opinion, the colonists would act wisely in standing off for some other
island, if they knew where another lay, even at the cost of abandoning
most of their effects.

But, our governor had no idea of following any such advice. He was fully
aware of the strength of his position on the Peak, and felt no
disposition to abandon it. His great apprehension was for the Reef,
where his territories were much more assailable. It was not easy to see
how the crater, and ship, and the schooner on the stocks, and all the
other property that, in the shape of hogs, poultry, &c., was scattered
far and wide in that group, could be protected against a hundred canoes,
by any force at his command. Even with the addition of Unus, who took
service at once, with all his heart, among his new friends, Mark could
muster but eight men; viz., himself, Heaton, Betts, Bigelow, Socrates,
Peters, Jones and Unus. To these might possibly be added two or three of
the women, who might be serviceable in carrying ammunition, and as
sentinels, while the remainder would be required to look after the
children, to care for the stock, &c. All these facts passed through
Mark's mind, as Peters translated the communication of Unus, sentence by
sentence.

It was indispensable to come to some speedy decision. Peters was now
happy and contented with his nice little Peggy, and there was no longer
any necessity for pursuing the voyage on his account. As for the project
of placing the hogs on Rancocus, this was certainly not the time to do
it, even if it were now to be done at all; we say 'now,' since the
visits of the savages would make any species of property on that island,
from this time henceforth, very insecure. It was therefore determined to
abandon the voyage, and to shape their course back to the Peak, with as
little delay as possible. As there were indications of shell-fish,
sea-weed, &c., being thrown ashore at the Volcano, two of the hogs were
put ashore there to seek their fortunes. According to the new plan, the
Neshamony made sail on her return passage, about an hour before the sun
set. As was usual in that strait, the trades blew pretty fresh, and the
boat, although it had the canoe of Unus in tow, came under the frowning
cliffs some time before the day reappeared. By the time the sun rose,
the Neshamony was off the cove, into which she hastened with the le