canoes drawn up on
the beach.

"There must be natives in the neighbourhood, and we may probably obtain
provisions from them," observed Charles. "Their village cannot be far
off."

"What is that curious-looking stockade on the top of the hill?" asked
Jack Ivyleaf.

"A native pah or fort," said Mr Paget. "We must approach it
cautiously, for we cannot depend on the friendliness of the inhabitants.
See, there are several men gathering close outside. They have arms in
their hands. Their numbers are increasing. Take my advice, and let us
make the best of our way to the boat. They may attack us before we can
explain that we have no hostile intentions."

As he spoke, the natives were seen running down the hill towards the
canoes. Charles urging the party to follow Mr Paget's advice, they
hastened to the place where they had landed. The boat had returned and
taken on board several of the water-casks.

"Never mind the remainder," cried Mr Paget. "The water will be dearly
purchased if we wait to allow these savages to overtake us. Shove off,
shove off!"

Captain Westerway was on deck, surprised to see the boat coming back.
Willy was standing near him. They observed Mr Paget making signs to
them. "He is telling us to get under way, sir," he observed.

"So I believe he is," exclaimed the captain. "Mr Windy, turn the hands
up and make sail."

The people, who were below, jumped on deck, wondering what was the
matter. The boat was quickly alongside; those in her leaped on board,
and she was hoisted in.

"Shall we weigh the anchor?" asked Windy.

"Not if we wish to escape from the savages' canoes," said Mr Paget.
"Captain Westerway, these people are not to be trifled with."

"We will slip the cable, then," said the captain. "It is better to lose
that than be cut off, as several vessels have been, by these people."

The headsails quickly filled, the wind blew out of the harbour; the
after-sails were set, and the "Young Crusader" glided rapidly towards
the ocean. As she got into the middle of the harbour, the cove in which
the canoes lay opened out, and a large number of savages were seen in
the act of launching them. They were soon afloat, and, filled with men,
made chase after the schooner. Of their hostile intentions there could
now be no longer any doubt. On they came, paddling at a rapid rate over
the smooth surface of the water. All the sail the schooner could carry
was set; but still it was too