Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 3.djvu/212

202 body was thrust up the scuttle hole, being held from below by a powerful native, and Holden saw that he must soon be forced back; but at that instant the body of the intruder was drawn down and cast with a dull thud upon the ground. This was done by the master, who had returned, and seeing what was happening threw himself upon the lower part of the man's body, carrying him down and knocking over also the one that held him. This was not the same party that attacked him at first. Those had been held back by the old man, but the murderers of the other sailor, whose name was Pete, came up, and learning where Holden had gone, followed to finish him also; but by the timely appearance of his master he was now safe. This attempt upon his life and that of the others was not countenanced by the leading men, and the ringleaders were seized and held by Holden's master and his friends until a promise was given to molest Temit no more.

There were two families living in this hut, one being that of a brother, a man of gigantic stature, nearly seven feet tall, who, as soon as the house was rid of the murderers, came to the scuttle hole and called, "Woobish, woobish," come down and I will put you down on the ground. Holden thinking that there was no way but to trust him did as told, and let himself into the giant's arms, who took him carefully and let him to the floor in a very gentle manner. Holden could scarcely yet think himself safe, and the memory of the murderer who ascended the rope seemed fixed on his mind for days. It was indeed a fearful sight, the man beside himself with passion, with glaring eyes and teeth grinding, and having in human form all the insensibility and incapacity of pity or reason pertaining to a wild beast.

However, his master and his party were truly friendly to Temit, and after a long and excited discussion decided