AT ANCHOR. 301 
may, I anticipated that Kadu was absent, or 
he would have inspired his countrymen with 
more confidence. 
We dropped anchor at noon opposite Otdia, 
on the same spot where the Rurik formerly 
rode. J then ordered a small two-oared boat 
to be lowered, and to make my first visit as 
little formidable as possible to my friends, went 
ashore with only Dr. Eschscholz and two sailors. 
We rowed direct to Rarik’s residence, where 
no human being was visible. A little canoe, 
bringing three men from a neighbouring island, 
now neared the shore, but immediately endea- 
voured to escape on observing that we steered 
towards it; in vain I waved a white handker- 
chief, a signal I had formerly been accustomed 
to make; they persisted in crowding sail, and 
taking all possible pains to get out of our reach ; 
but their extreme anxiety now rendered that 
difficult which they usually perform with great 
dexterity. While they disputed vehemently 
among themselves, we gained materially upon 
them, and their entangled ropes refusing the 
assistance of their sails, they were on the point 
