262 GOOD-BREEDING IN A SAVAGE. 
remain on deck, behaved as impudently as if 
they had been masters of the ship; they snatch- 
ed from my hands some little presents I was 
about to distribute among them, exhibiting 
them to their companions in the canoes below. 
This excited amongst the latter a terrific rage, 
and, with noise and gestures resembling mad- 
ness, they endeavoured to frighten us into com- 
pliance with their desire to come on board. 
Only one among them received the presents we 
made him, with any appearance of modesty or 
thankfulness; the others seemed to consider 
them as a tribute due to them. This more de- 
corous personage bowed towards me in almost 
an European fashion, pressed the articles given 
him several times to his forehead, and then, 
turning to me, rubbed the point of his nose 
pretty roughly against mine. This young 
savage was probably a person of rank, who 
had received a particularly good education; he 
was of a cheerful temper, examined every thing 
very closely, and made many remarks to those 
in the canoes, which were apparently considered 
extremely witty, for he was always answered 
by bursts of laughter. The rest of his country- 
