Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 3.djvu/219

Rh had ascended about thirty or forty feet when he stopped and sang out, "Sawa, sawa"—yes, it is a ship. He then came down speedily and laid his hand on Holden's shoulder and said, "Temit, I will set you on that ship.' "You know my promise," Holden replied, "to the man who first places me on a white man's ship."

Parabaway was a man of activity, and one to redeem in some measure the character of his people. He therefore at once called to his men, who brought the sea canoe to the beach, carrying it across the bayou, and bringing the paddles and also Temit.

The canoe was shoved into the water and the crew of paddlers took their places. Holden was duly placed aboard and took a position at the bow, ready to descry the first appearance of the ship, which lay becalmed, but below the horizon from their situation on the water. He constantly urged the men to paddle, crying "Vettell"—pull until you reach the ship. The canoe went boldly out over the deep ocean, riding the low swell, until after a time Holden caught sight of a white speck,—the gleam of a sail,—seeing which the men took heart and paddled away with a will, the ship rapidly growing on the sight, and Holden at last believing fully in his deliverance, and of his comrade, Knute's. The master, Parabaway, and his men were also indulging in lively anticipations of the treasure of iron to be given them. The ship was now within but a mile, and soon would be within hailing distance.

But suddenly, without warning, there came a white puff of smoke, and a six-pound cannon ball whistled over the heads of the canoemen and their passenger. This was something which Holden had not calculated upon,