Our three adventurers were then overwhelmed by the rude but expressive
manifestations of thanks on the part of the villagers. The wounded
were soon despatched, and it became evident to Duff, who partially
understood their practices, that a cannibal feast would be next in
order.

The very idea sickened Ralph, though Ben announced that he had no
objections to see one "black nigger eat up another."

"Well, we have, if you haven't," said Duff, "so, as it is pretty near
day and we're loaded, I think we had better be getting back to the
ship, Captain's in a hurry to leave the coast anyhow."

But when the natives heard of this determination, they one and all
tried to persuade the whites to remain at least until day. The
red-shirted chief pleaded almost with tears, in the very few words of
English at his command.

"You--me--brothers!" He pointed from Duff to himself. "You--stay.
All--stay. Eat War-i-ka-ri much; eat--heap!"

But when he found that all persuasion was useless, he bade his people
fill the yawl with vegetables and such meat as was on hand. He would
have butchered another ox, but as the boat would now hold no more, Duff
with difficulty made him stop.

As the whites were pushing off he came running down to the landing,
bearing on his shoulder a human leg severed from the body at the hip.

"Take!" he shouted, but Ralph made haste to shove the boat off. "Take!"