Their Party Was At This Time Much Scattered, But Fortunately They Could See Them Coming To Them At Some Distance, And They Had Time To Collect Their Men.

They resolved, however, to prevent bloodshed, if possible; their numbers were too few to leave them a chance of escaping by any other way.

The natives were approaching fast, and had nearly arrived close to the palm tree. Not a moment was to be lost. They desired Pascoe and all their men to follow behind them at a short distance, with the loaded muskets and pistols; and they enjoined them strictly not to fire, unless they were first fired at. One of the natives, who proved to be the chief, was perceived to be a little in advance of his companions, and throwing down their pistols, which they had snatched up in the first moment of surprise, the two Landers walked very composedly and unarmed towards him. As they approached him, they made all the signs and motions they could with their arms, to deter him and his people from firing on them. His quiver was dangling at his side, his bow was bent, and an arrow, which was pointed at their breasts, already trembled on the string, when they were within a few yards of his person. This was a highly critical moment - the next might be their last. But the hand of Providence averted the blow, for just as the chief was about to pull the fatal cord, a man that was nearest him rushed forward and stayed his arm.

Enter page number Go  Previous Next
Page 930 of 1124
Words from 255563 to 255822 of 309561