Had an army of invaders made an irruption into their territory
they could not have evinced greater excitement. We were soon
completely encircled by a dense throng, and in their eager desire
to behold us they almost arrested our progress; an equal number
surrounded our youthful guides, who with amazing volubility
appeared to be detailing the circumstances which had attended
their meeting with us. Every item of intelligence appeared to
redouble the astonishment of the islanders, and they gazed at us
with inquiring looks.

At last we reached a large and handsome building of bamboos, and
were by signs told to enter it, the natives opening a lane for us
through which to pass; on entering without ceremony, we threw our
exhausted frames upon the mats that covered the floor. In a
moment the slight tenement was completely full of people, whilst
those who were unable to obtain admittance gazed at us through
its open cane-work.

It was now evening, and by the dim light we could just discern
the savage countenances around us, gleaming with wild curiosity
and wonder; the naked forms and tattooed limbs of brawny
warriors, with here and there the slighter figures of young
girls, all engaged in a perfect storm of conversation, of which
we were of course the one only theme, whilst our recent guides
were fully occupied in answering the innumerable questions which
every one put to them. Nothing can exceed the fierce
gesticulation of these people when animated in conversation, and
on this occasion they gave loose to all their natural vivacity,
shouting and dancing about in a manner that well nigh intimidated
us.