Page:Voyage in search of La Perouse, volume 2 (Stockdale).djvu/54

40 yards from the ground, whence they attentively watched our slightest movements. As they all squatted on the bough, they formed a pleasing group.

We were at a considerable distance from the shore, where a boat was to wait for us, to take us on board. It was time for us to be on our way toward it. We were quitting this peaceable party with regret, when we saw the men and four of the youths separating from the rest, in order to accompany us. One of the most robust presently went into the wood, whence he returned almost instantly, holding in his hand two long spears. As he came near, he made signs to us, that we need be under no apprehensions: on the contrary, it appeared as if he were desirous of protecting us with his arms. No doubt they had left their weapons in the wood, when they came to meet us in the morning, that they might give us no alarm.

The other natives, whom we had just quitted, approached our party. Immediately on our requesting him, who carried the spears, to give us a specimen of his dexterity, he grasped one of them with the right hand near the middle, then raising it as high as his head, and holding it horizontally, he drew it back toward himself three times following with a jerk, which gave it a very perceptible