304 RESCUED FROM CAPTIVITY. 



the main land within a short distance of where the 

 vessels lay. The blacks were credulous enough to be- 

 lieve that "as she had been so long with them, and 

 had been so well treated, she did not intend to leave 

 them, — only she felt a strong desire to see the white 

 people once more and shake hands with them 5" 

 adding, that she would be certain to procure some 

 axes, knives, tobacco, and other much prized articles. 

 This appeal to their cupidity decided the question at 

 once. After landing at the sandy bay on the western 

 side of Oape York, she hurried across to Evans' Bay, 

 as quickly as her lameness would allow, fearful that 

 the blacks might change their mind 5 and well it 

 was that she did so, as a small party of men 

 followed to detain her, but arrived too late. Three 

 of these people were brought on board at her own 

 request, and as they had been instrumental in saving 

 her from the wreck, they were presented with an 

 axe a-piece, and other presents. 



Upon being asked by Captain Stanley whether 

 she really preferred remaining with us to accom- 

 panying the natives back to their island, as she 

 would be allowed her free choice in the matter, she 

 was so much agitated as to find difficulty in ex- 

 pressing her thankfulness, making use of scraps of 

 English alternately with the Kowrarega language, 

 and then, suddenly awaking' to the recollection that 

 she was not understood, the poor creature blushed 

 all over, and with downcast eyes, beat her forehead 

 with her hand, as if to assist in collecting her 



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