In the midst of these discordant noises one canoe, larger than the
others, and with a canopy over it, pushed alongside, and a naked warrior
handed up a bunch of red and yellow feathers. This was, of course,
supposed to be a sign of peace, but such was not the case. Immediately
afterwards the canoe pushed off and the leader threw into the air the
branch of a cocoa-nut tree. This was the signal. A general shout burst
from the savages; the canoes made for the ship, and showers of stones
were thrown on board. Many of these stones were fully two pounds
weight, and as they were thrown with great force, some of the sailors
were severely wounded.

The crew of the _Dolphin_ rushed to quarters. The watch on deck
instantly opened a fire of musketry on those nearest the ship, and two
of the quarter-deck swivel guns, which happened to be loaded with
small-shot, were also discharged. This warm and vigorous reception
checked the attack for a few minutes; but the courage of the savages was
aroused. They quickly renewed the assault, coming on in all directions,
and receiving constant reinforcements from the shore. But now the great
guns of the ship were brought into play; the thunder of artillery
echoed, for the first time, from the mountain-sides of Tahiti; and, as
the heavy balls tore up the sea and crashed upon the shore, the
terrified natives in the canoes nearest the ship took to flight.

Seeing this, the Captain at once ordered the fire to cease, being
anxious to do as little harm as possible. This, however, had the effect
of restoring confidence to the natives, who lay for some time gazing at
the ship from a considerable distance. They had evidently profited by
their short experience in this new style of warfare, for, observing that
the terrible iron shower came thundering only from the _sides_ of the
ship, they made their next attack on the bow and stern--advancing with
much daring, and throwing their stones with great violence and good aim,
insomuch that some more of the men were severely hurt.

There is no saying what might have been the end of this fight, had not a
lucky cannon-shot, fired from one of the great guns that had been run
out at the bow, hit the canoe of the savage chief, and cut it in two. A
result so tremendous had the effect of filling the hearts of the savages
with terror. Every canoe turned tail and made for the shore in dire
confusion, while the people who had crowded the beach took to their