nce talking rapidly, and pointing towards us. At
length they began to approach the spot where we stood, but slowly, and
with some apparent hesitation.

"Well," said Browne, "we must come to a decision quickly."

"I distrust them entirely," exclaimed Morton, "I am for acting on the
defensive."

"And I also," said Max, "I have no faith in them: but perhaps they won't
stop to interfere with us after all."

"Very well, then," said Browne, "we will fight if we must. But let us
stand strictly on the defensive, and offer them no provocation."

I could not help regarding this determination as unwise, but it was the
mind of the majority; and the present was no time for divided or
uncertain counsels. I therefore kept my thoughts to myself, and
grasping my cutlass, prepared for what was to follow.

Browne and Max were armed with the "Feejee war-clubs," of the latter's
manufacture: they were long, heavy bludgeons, of the wood of the
casuarina, rather too ponderous to be wielded with one hand by a person
of ordinary strength. Morton and I were provided with cutlasses, which
we had preferred as being lighter and more convenient to carry.

The savages were armed with spears and short clubs, the former of which
they presented towards us as they advanced.

I confess that my heart began to thump against my breast with unwonted
and unpleasant rapidity and violence. I dare say it was the same with
my companions; but externally we were perfectly composed and steady.

"There are just five of them," said Browne, "two antagonists for me, and
one apiece for the rest of you. If any one interferes with my two I
shall consider it a personal affront."

"Confound those long spears!" exclaimed Max, with a disturbed air, "they
have a mighty uncomfortable look, with those fish-bone barbs at the end
of them."

The still more "uncomfortable" thought that those fish-bone barbs were
perhaps poisoned, suggested itself to me, but I considered it expedient
to say nothing on the subject at the present juncture.

"Pshaw!" cried Browne, "the long spears are easily managed, if you will
only remember my fencing-lessons, and keep your nerves steady. It is
the simplest thing in the world to put aside a thrust from such a
weapon: depend upon it, those short clubs will prove much more
dangerous."

The savages, having now had a sufficient opportunity to note our
equipments, and our youthful appearance, quickly lost all hesitation,
and came confid