Page:Narrativeavoyag01wilsgoog.djvu/121

Rh could prevail on him to do so; and placing his hands over his ears, he went to the opposite side of the deck. Miago was then led to the gun; when Wellington, fearing that Miago might acquire more credit, jumped to the gun, and fired it. Miago fired the second gun without hesitation, and when he and Wellington saw the shot strike the water near the shore, their astonishment was extreme. After a few seconds of mute surprise, Miago cut a variety of capers on the quarter-deck, to the infinite amusement of the ship's company. As for Olobo, he appeared to be glad that the affair was over.

While we were at tiffin in the cabin, Wellington came down, and requested that no present might be given to any person but himself. This prohibition was directed in a special manner against Miago. Then turning round to the Captain's steward, he inquired his name, and what he was. On learning that he was a Mandrowillie, he immediately took him by the back of the neck, and endeavoured to thrust him out of the cabin. Being requested to desist, he did so, but with some reluctance; he requested permission to sit down with us, and was gratified by receiving the desired indulgence. He then resumed the old grievance about Miago, with great vehemence of jargon and gesture. In the midst of his oration, he happened to turn round, and to his astonishment beheld Miago standing at the cabin door, listening with great tranquillity and composure to his harangue; when, with