WRECK OF THE CHALLENGER. 31 



the breaking-in of the surf, may, at least by the 

 naval reader, be comprehended : our exertions, 

 however, enabled us to rely on our own resources 

 for subsistence as well as defence. No sooner 

 had we begun to examine our situation with re- 

 ference to strengthen it, than Rafael Lobo ex- 

 pressed great apprehensions and alarm that an 

 attack from the hostile Indians, or, as he termed 

 them, Enemigos Indians, would be made 

 upon us, and urgently advised our removing two 

 leagues distant to the northward ; for, said 

 he, if we remained in our present position, they 

 would have an advantage, from our exposed 

 situation in a flat plain, and, to use his own 

 meaning, the mounted Indians would ride over 

 us. Captain Seymour consented, therefore, to 

 send two ofiicers with him, for the purpose of 

 examining the ground ; but the disadvantage of 

 being at such a distance from the wreck was 

 greater than any slight security that would be 

 afforded us by changing our present position. 

 He was therefore told by the captain his deter- 

 mination to defend the ground he now occupied ; 

 and with that view he proceeded to strengthen it 

 by every means in his power. 



An offer was made to Rafael Lobo to put up 



