Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 3.djvu/221

Rh A boat was now seen lowered from the ship, and, under a good stroke from the crew supplied from the vessel, came gliding over the water toward Holden's canoe. This boat came within about fifty yards, in full view, then stopped, the sailors resting on their oars. Not a word was spoken, but after a few moment's inspection, the oars were dropped again into the water and the stroke resumed, but the boat was headed back to the ship. Holden then cried out in his loudest tones, telling them who he was, and what he was wanting, but the boat pulled back to the vessel.

By such treatment as this, he was almost thrown into frenzy, and continued calling; and then commanded the natives to pull away to the vessel after the boat, but was met with a volley of small arms, at which the natives, of course, stopped rowing again. Holden had only to wait and see what would be done by the British vessel. After returning to the ship, the detail in the boat reported that they thought they heard English words spoken, and asked for further orders; and permission was then given by the captain, one Short, to return, but well armed. As soon as within hailing distance again, the officer of the boat standing in the stern sheets called to Holden, and said, "Swim here."

We can not but be astonished that when, within speaking distance, and easily able to ascertain who Holden was, and the disposition of the natives, that any such order should be given. But the captain and his crew were acting under very careful instructions, and following the English axiom, took everybody for an enemy or criminal until proved otherwise. Without waiting for further urging and, indeed, almost before the order was out of the officer's mouth, Holden sprang into the water and swam for his life toward the boat; leaping like a flash, and swimming under the water. In the meantime the