em to fell a tree and bring it off to the
vessel. The chief pointed to the boats hanging on the davits, placed the
axe in the hands of one of the men, and clearly signified that the crew
could go ashore and cut down a tree if they chose. The captain shook his
head and placed the axe in the hands of one of the chiefs. Their leader,
however, went up to the foremast, and by spreading out his arms
signified that it was a great size, and then held out the small axe the
captain had presented to him with an action of disdain.

"The beggar means that with one axe they would never cut down a tree of
that size," the first officer said.

"That is all humbug, Ryan; they can bring down the biggest trees for the
construction of their canoes. I believe they bring them down by fire.
However, it is as well to humour them. Tell the carpenter to bring half
a dozen axes."

This was done, and the axes laid down on the deck. There was now a
consultation between the natives. After a while they nodded, and then
made signs that someone must go ashore with them to choose the tree.

"What do you say, Ryan?" the captain asked. "It is of importance that we
should get a stick that will suit us. The question is whether it will be
safe to trust a man on shore with these scoundrels?"

"I will go ashore if you like, captain," Mr. Ryan replied.

"I do not like it, Ryan," the captain said. "You see, they would make
mincemeat of an armed crew in no time."

"I should not propose to take a crew, sir; they could afford no
protection against a number of natives. I do not think the beggars would
assault a single man. You see, there would be nothing to gain by it; and
if they did it would put the ship on its guard, and their game at
present is evidently to be friendly. I do not think there is any danger
in the affair. If I did not go they might send off some stick that would
be of no use at all to us, and as we came in on purpose to get a mast it
is worth while risking something."

"Well, Ryan," the captain said after a moment's deliberation, "I think
perhaps you are right, and that one man would be safe with them. It is
certainly of great importance for us to get the sort of stick we want,
so as you are ready to volunteer I do not think myself justified in
refusing your offer." The captain then put his hand on the chief
officer's shoulder and intimated to the natives that he would accompany
them on shore. The party then returned to the poop, and the ste