Adventures in New Guinea James Chalmers
Adventures in New Guinea James Chalmers
Adventures in New Guinea James Chalmers
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52<br />
me, agreed with me that th<strong>in</strong>gs were rather out of the common with us, and<br />
that a sharp eye, and quick ear, and quick action were of some<br />
importance. They at once went to get their clubs and spears, and begged<br />
and <strong>in</strong>sisted on presents; but they were astonished, I doubt not, to f<strong>in</strong>d<br />
their begg<strong>in</strong>g of little avail.<br />
"Go to the vessel, if you want presents."<br />
"Why are you anchored so far off?"<br />
"Can't get nearer, and only wish you would show me the way <strong>in</strong> close to<br />
here."<br />
Po<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g to a passage close <strong>in</strong> shore, I suggested they had better take us<br />
off, and we would try and get her round when the tide rose; but to this<br />
they objected, and <strong>in</strong>stead of becom<strong>in</strong>g more friendly, it seemed to us<br />
they were just go<strong>in</strong>g the other way; but that may have been merely as we<br />
thought, look<strong>in</strong>g at them through coloured glasses, suspicion, and a<br />
certa<strong>in</strong> mixture of doubt if ever we should aga<strong>in</strong> see the vessel. A few<br />
men came runn<strong>in</strong>g along the beach. I met them, and hurriedly asked them<br />
to take us off when they would have hoop-iron and beads.<br />
"Yes."<br />
"Quick! do not let them th<strong>in</strong>k! Into the nearest canoe."<br />
Away <strong>in</strong> the distance those <strong>in</strong> the village were shout<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
gesticulat<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
"Come back! Come back, at once."