her side, came
such demoniac yells, and such showers of stones, as convinced the
Americans that they were in front of the Typee stronghold. For a time
the invaders seemed in danger of annihilation. They were totally
unprotected, and flanked by concealed foes, whose missiles were
plunging down upon them with deadly effect. Some few secured places
behind trees, and began a musketry fire; but the alarming cry soon
arose that the ammunition was exhausted. Five men were immediately
despatched to the beach for more cartridges, while the few remaining
determined to hold their position at any cost. But to this
determination they were unable to adhere. Had the Typees charged, the
whole American force would have been swept away like driftwood before
a springtime flood. But the savages neglected their opportunity; and
the Americans first gained the protection of the bushes, then fell
back across the river, and so to the beach.

Here a council of war was held. They had been beaten back by savages;
enormously outnumbered, to be sure, but still opposed by undisciplined
warriors armed with rude weapons. The stain of that defeat must be
washed out by a victory. Upon one point, all were agreed. The Happahs
had played them false by leading them over the most dangerous roads,
and into ambuscades of the enemy. To such treacherous guides, they
would not again trust themselves. Before he again led his men to
battle, Porter wished to try diplomacy. Although he knew that he had
been beaten in the engagement, it would never do to confess defeat
before so many savages (for the Taeehs and Happahs were now swarming
about him, discussing the fight). Accordingly a messenger was sent to
tell the Typees that a handful of white men had driven them into their
fort, killing and wounding many. Now a large re-enforcement of white
men was on the beach, ready to drive them from their valley, but that
if they would sue for peace they might yet save their lives and their
villages. At this the Typees laughed. "Tell Opotee," said they, "that
we have plenty of men to spare; while his men are few. We have killed
his chief warrior, and wounded many of his people. We are not afraid
of his _bouhies_ [muskets]: they often miss fire, and, when they
wound, don't hurt much. If the Malleekees can drive us from our
valley, why don't they come and do it?--not stay on the beach and
talk."

When Porter received this letter, he knew that he must again take the
field against