orders from a mere child, and tried to ignore him, but as Farragut
paid no heed to his snubs, he tried a different method. When Farragut
gave orders that "the maintop-sail be filled away," the captain
answered that he would shoot any man who dared to touch a rope without
his orders, and then went below to get his pistols. There wasn't a
moment to lose. Instantly Farragut called one of his men, and told him
what had happened and what he wanted done, and his frank manner and
words accomplished what no amount of commands would have done.

"Aye, aye, sir!" answered the faithful seaman, and at once prepared to
obey the order, while Farragut sent down word to the rebellious captain
not to come on deck with a pistol if he did not wish to go overboard.

There was no question from that moment as to who was master of the
vessel, while the boy was greatly admired for his bravery which had
been equal to such an emergency, and the vessel was brought safely into
port by the young commander, who then went back to the _Essex_, proud
in the fact of having accomplished the task assigned him.

On his return, Captain Porter had decided to go at once to some islands
far out in the Pacific, where he could refit the _Essex_, and so they
sailed in that direction, and when near the islands they were sighted
by some of the natives who paddled out in a canoe to meet them, and
eagerly invited the sailors ashore, promising them fruit and other
provisions. The natives were indeed a strange sight to the eyes of the
American boys, for their bodies were heavily tattooed, and gaily
ornamented with feathers in true barbaric fashion, but they were very
friendly and during the six weeks while the ship was being refitted,
although the American sailors were given lessons daily by the chaplain
of the _Essex_, when the lesson was over, they were allowed to mingle
freely with the islanders, and Farragut learned many new things from
them, things which were afterwards invaluable to him. To the islanders,
swimming was as natural and as easy as walking, and although David
never became as proficient in this as his new friends, still he learned
to swim easily and fast, and too, they taught him how to walk on
stilts, and how to use a spear with skill and ease, and in such sports
and occupations, time passed quickly and the Americans were most
regretful when the day came for them to say farewell to their island
friends. But the _Essex_ was ready to sail for Valparaiso