such a current there was no time for delay; and so, seizing the oars,
we soon brought the boat ashore.

As we approached, the crowd of natives stood awaiting us, and looked
more repulsive than ever. We could see the emaciation of their bony
frames; their toes and fingers were like birds' claws; their eyes were
small and dull and weak, and sunken in cavernous hollows, from which
they looked at us like corpses--a horrible sight. They stood quietly,
however, and without any hostile demonstration, holding their spears
carelessly resting upon the ground.

"I don't like the looks of them," said I. "I think I had better fire a
gun."

"Why?" cried Agnew. "For Heaven's sake, man, don't hurt any of them!"

"Oh no," said I; "I only mean to inspire a little wholesome respect."

Saying this I fired in the air. The report rang out with long echoes,
and as the smoke swept away it showed us all the natives on the
ground. They had seated themselves with their hands crossed on their
laps, and there they sat looking at us as before, but with no
manifestation of fear or even surprise. I had expected to see them
run, but there was nothing of the kind. This puzzled us. Still, there
was no time now for any further hesitation. The current was sweeping
us toward the chasm between the cliffs, and we had to land without
delay. This we did, and as I had another barrel still loaded and a
pistol, I felt that with these arms and those of Agnew we should be
able to defend ourselves. It was in this state of mind that we landed,
and secured the boat by means of the grappling-iron.