194 



SIGNAL OF WAR. 



tribe to which Niqueaccas belonged either make excursions 

 themselves southward of the Strait of Magalhaens, or that the 

 Alikhoolip invade their territory and take away canoes, is 

 evident from the fact of plank canoes* having been seen in and 

 about the Barbara Channel. The arms used are similar to those 

 of the Alikhoolip already described. 



A method of declaring war, ascertained by the following cir- 

 cumstance, is rather curious. The boy Bob had been taken 

 on board the Adeona, in consequence of some dispute with the 

 natives, who had stolen things from the vessel. Mr. Low 

 intended to keep him as a hostage until the missing pro- 

 perty should be restored; but the tribe decamped, and as 

 Low was obliged to sail, he carried the boy away with him. 

 At the return of the vessel, about eight months afterwards, 

 the boy saw something on shore, at the entrance of the harbour, 

 which he looked at for some time very earnestly, and then 

 gave Mr. Low to understand that the natives had declared war 

 against him and his ship, and intended to attack her at her 

 return. No natives being visible. Low went ashore with the 

 boy, to see what it was that had attracted his attention, and 

 found a number of spears, arrows, and clubs, roughly cut out 

 of wood, painted red, and stuck into the ground, across a point 

 of the island, and having in the middle a large block of wood, 

 roughly carved into a strange figure (said by the boy to be 

 that of their evil spirit) curiously painted, with long red teeth, 

 and having a short halter of hide (seal-skin) round the part 

 intended to represent a neck. Notwithstanding this outward 

 demonstration of anger and intent to revenge, not a native was 

 seen in the neighbourhood during the many months v/hich 

 Low passed there, and in consequence he had no opportunity 

 of restoring the boy to his own tribe ; but he was afterwards 

 kindly received, and treated as Low's son, among the Patago- 

 nians of Gregory Bay. 



The natives of Niqueaccas' tribe (Chonos) are less dishonest 

 and deceitful than those of the southernmost islands. Mr. Low 



* Plank canoes are used on the west coast. See page 142. 



