1 76 HUNTING THE SEA OTTER. 



reason that lay deeper than commerce and peaceful enter- 

 prise? One could only guess. But it looked as if this 

 great awakening from the long sleep of isolation to the 

 comprehension of its dangers had arisen from causes that 

 had touched their feelings at its core. A nation whose 

 gentry carry a special dagger consecrated to self-immolation 

 sooner than they should face dishonour and disgrace, is apt 

 to be as sensitive as they are patriotic. Results it is not 

 good to prophesy. But history has an awkward way of 

 repeating itself ; and to primitive people belong those 

 primitive virtues which have always made for success,, 

 while civilisation and patriotism are by no means contro- 

 vertible terms. A single faith, a God, an idea seems to 

 belong more essentially to primitive races than to those 

 possessing what is called higher civilisation, but with whom 

 are many gods and clashing interests. 



Not in the men, but in the arms lay the great inequality 

 of north and east. But the most modern weapons might be 

 carefully selected from the world's great arsenals, purchased, 

 and understood with as little difficulty as their bandsmen had 

 mastered the technicalities of modern music. Time only 

 was required, and this, most elusive of all, had already been 

 taken by the forelock. 



Was this to be the opening scene in a great drama ? It 

 did not seem likely ; most probably the farce the drama 

 could wait for another twenty years. 



As soon as we had finished breakfast and the boats sent 

 ashore for wood and water, we were visited by the naval 

 officer who had first boarded us on the preceding day. 

 From what he said, they were very anxious for us to 

 leave as soon as possible, and wished to know whether 

 we could not sail by mid-day. On our reply that it would 

 be necessary to overhaul sails and chafing gear, he offered 

 to send us their sail-maker, and, indeed, give us any 

 assistance required, also send us water.. He also examined 

 and cross-examined our crew, who told us after he left 

 that they were desirous of impressing some of our men 



