ship than the other boats. All
hands were in high spirits with the thought of a lark on shore. A
narrow passage was found in the surrounding reef, and we ran the boat
into a beautiful and sheltered bay, with the trees coming down on either
side almost to the water's edge. If water was to be found here it would
be easy to fill the casks and roll them down to the boats. In vain we
hunted about in every direction--no water was to be found. Owen then
ordered the men to dig; but they were unsuccessful. Some time was thus
occupied, but he declared that he would not return without finding
water, and that we must divide, some to push farther inland, and others
along the shore. Greatly to my disgust he ordered me to remain by the
boat, and I observed, as he spoke, that evil look with which he often
regarded me. He led one party along the shore to the right, while he
sent another more inland. Only one boy was left with me. They had been
gone some little time, when the report of a gun from the ship reached my
ear. It was the signal of recall. Another soon followed; I hoped that
the absent parties would hear the signal, or would soon return. A
third, and then the report of several guns in quick succession reached
my ear. There was evidently danger to be apprehended. I had little
doubt, on observing the changed appearance of the sky, that a gale was
expected, though in the sheltered bay where the boat was I had not
remarked any threatening signs. All I could do was to keep the boat
afloat, so that we might shove off directly the other parties arrived.
I looked eagerly out along the shore, but no one was to be seen. The
ship had ceased firing; indeed, from the appearance of the sea outside,
it was evident that the gale had commenced, and that she had been
compelled, for her own safety, to stand off-shore. Our only resource,
therefore, would be to wait till the gale should have blown itself out,
and the frigate could come back to pick us up. I now became very
anxious, for I thought that Owen must have observed the change in the
weather, and that something must have occurred to have prevented him
from returning. I was eagerly looking about in every direction, when I
caught sight of some persons running among the trees towards the boat.
I soon distinguished some of the boat's crew, with Owen among them.
They had good reason for running fast, for behind came a crowd of
savages, shouting and shrieking, and brandishing c