in fit trim to encounter any storm
we might meet with in our passage round Cape Horn. At first the weather
was very lovely; but as we were running down the coast of Patagonia a
heavy gale sprang up from the southward, which threatened to drive us
back again. Fortunately a sheltering bay was near at hand. Running
into it, the ship was brought to an anchor, and we there lay as calmly
as if no storm was raging without. The country, however, was wild and
desolate in appearance. I should have thought no human beings would
have been found on it, but on looking through our glasses we observed a
number moving about, some on horseback, others on foot, apparently
watching us. "Are you inclined to go on bore, gentlemen?" said the
captain to us. Of course we replied Yes. Ellen begged that she might
go likewise. We objected, fearing that she might be exposed to danger.
"She will be perfectly safe," answered Captain Byles; "for though the
people on shore are not very prepossessing, I have always found them
perfectly harmless. We will, however, carry our muskets, and the crew
shall be armed likewise."

We were soon on shore, proceeding over the rough ground towards the
natives. They seeing Ellen and Maria in our midst, advanced without
fear. They halted, however, at a little distance from us, when we put
out our hands and walked towards them. They were big, stout men of a
brown complexion, with long black hair hanging down their necks. Their
only dress consisted of skins fastened across their shoulders, leaving
bare their enormous limbs. When we put out our hands they put out
theirs.

"Good day, my friends," said Captain Byles.

"Good day," exclaimed the savages in almost the same tone.

"Hillo! what, do you speak English?" cried Arthur.

"Hillo! what, do you speak English?" echoed the Patagonians.

"Of course I do," answered Arthur.

"Of course I do," said the natives.

Indeed, whatever words we uttered they repeated. We on this burst into
fits of laughter, our new acquaintances doing the same, as if we had
uttered a capital joke. They beat us, however, at that, for though we
stopped, they continued laughing--ay right heartily. At all events they
knew what that meant. Friendship was thus speedily established.
Pointing to their skin tents at no great distance, supported on poles,
and in shape like those of gipsies, but rather larger, they seemed to
invite us to them. We accordingly accompanied them. In f