Page:Twenty years before the mast - Charles Erskine, 1896.djvu/203

 struck one of the thatched roofs. Several natives sprang up to tear it off, but that moment was their last, as the  roof immediately burst into flames. As soon as the flames were found to be spreading, a scene of confusion  ensued that baffles description. The deafening shouts of "Curlew, curlew, curlew," by the savages, with the  cries and shrieks of the women and children, the roaring  of the fire, the bursting of the bamboos, and an occasional volley from our rifles, will always be impressed on  our memories. In about half an hour this whole town or stronghold of theirs was reduced to ashes. It was evident that large quantities of water, provisions, pigs,  etc., had been stored up in the anticipation of a long  siege. In the ditch we picked up a number of war-clubs, spears, bows and arrows, several old muskets, fish-nets, tapa, etc., and the cap of Lieutenant Underwood. Many of the dead were lying in the ditch.

Our party sustained but little injury. Only one man was struck by a ball, which did no other harm than to  leave a scar on his right arm. Several were wounded by arrows, but only one, Samuel Stretch, dangerously. In crossing the island to another town, we found the scenery  extremely beautiful. In the valleys below us and on the declivities of the hills were to be seen yam and taro  patches kept in the neatest order, with the small yam  houses, or lololo, in the midst, surrounded by groves of  tall cocoanut trees and plantations of bananas. All looked quiet and peaceful, in strong contrast to the exciting contest in which we had been engaged, and the  character of the ruthless and murderous race who had  been the occupants of the smiling valley.