He knew
enough, however, of the winds prevalent among the islands to be sure that
it would not strengthen much for the next two or three hours. From the
number of paddles going on each side of the canoe he calculated that she
must carry from forty to fifty men. His hope was that they would be
unacquainted with firearms, and would draw off when he began to fire.

When they came within about four hundred yards he took up a musket and
fired, taking aim at some little distance from the side of the boat. At
the report the paddles ceased instantly, and for a time it was evident
that great confusion reigned among the rowers. While this was going on
Stephen reloaded his piece. After some five minutes' delay the men
recommenced paddling, but at a pace that contrasted strongly with the
rapid and eager stroke which they had before rowed. Stephen waited this
time until they were within two hundred and fifty yards, and then lying
down on the deck and resting the barrel on the bulwarks he took a steady
aim and fired. One of the men standing up in the bow fell overboard. The
paddling ceased again, and a hubbub of voices was heard. As she lay
motionless Stephen fired shot after shot. One or two of these hit the
canoe, two or three others went wide, but the rest did execution among the
crowded mass. By the noise it was evident that some wished to go on,
others to retire, and after discharging twelve shots Stephen began to
hastily reload the pieces he had fired.

The cessation of fire apparently reassured the war party, for when he had
reloaded six of them the paddles again began to work. Stephen at once
recommenced firing, and his eighth shot brought down a chief who was
standing prominently in the stern, and was evidently in command. His fall
had an instantaneous effect. With a yell of terror the natives ceased
paddling. Then some began to back and others to row, and the canoe turned
slowly round and then sped away at a rate as fast as it had come up,
although the number of paddlers was markedly decreased. Satisfied that
they would not return, Stephen reloaded all the muskets and then went
below for his first meal on board. The cabin would have seemed a poor
place to yachtsmen, with its rough beams and timbers and its discoloured
planking, but no yachtsman ever felt prouder of a craft than Stephen did
of the boat in whose building he had taken a share. There were no
bulk-heads, the hull being open from end to end. The water-cask and
p