WHALING VOYAGE. 
307 
could be obtained, we set about returning to the ship, 
and being at that time pretty close to the shore, we 
observed a large concourse of people standing all along 
it, at the edge of the sea, numbers of women and chil- 
dren being among them. We now determined, before 
we took our departure, to shew these also at what rate 
we could propel the boats, and when we were within 
twenty yards of the beach, we steered along it ; great 
excitement was now shewn by these people, by some of 
them running to and fro, calling others from the woods 
to come and view us. The men now sprang with all 
their power upon their oars, which propelled the boats 
with great velocity-then the whole mass of people ran 
along the beach after us, although it was very rocky, 
and full of sharp points. All the canoes which were 
outside of us, also got in motion to follow us, and a 
very animated scene commenced— they all began their 
yelling again, and great was the noise they made. I 
can never forget one middle-aged woman who ran along 
the beach with a child in her arms, with her very elon- 
gated breasts swinging about like long leathern pouches, 
she appeared frantic with joy, or excitement of some 
kind at seeing us — she headed the crowd and followed 
us a long way, making various motions and cries, until 
she and all the rest were stopped by an inlet of the sea 
which ran into the shore — at the angle of which they all 
congregated, and remained, still uttering loud cries, and 
making various motions to induce us to land ; but we 
did not wish to trust ourselves entirely within their 
power, not knowing how their conduct might then have 
