64 
SURVEY OF THE INTERTROPICAL 
1821. well joined us; the latter gentleman was un- 
Aug^.r. armed, but the former had a pistol concealed 
under his coat, and carried a fish, which he held 
out for them to take ; but, as they would not ap- 
proach us nearer than two or three yards, he 
threw it towards them, when the shortest native 
picked it up. Upon this accession to our num- 
bers, they began to talk to each other, and, at 
the same time, picked up their spears; but, as 
the latter appeared only to be a cautionary move- 
ment, we did not anticipate their mischievous 
intentions. I then, with a view to amuse them, 
made signs to my friend for the knife, which 
he put into my hands without shewing the least 
reluctance, upon which he was again instructed 
how to open and shut it ; but as this, instead of 
pacifying, only served to increase their anger^ 
the knife was thrown at his feet, which he in- 
stantly picked up, and then both retired a few 
paces in a very suspicious manner. 
We were at this time about three or four yards 
from the natives, who were talking to each other 
in a most animated way, and evidently intent upon 
some object ; and, as it appeared probable that, 
if we remained any longer, a rupture would en- 
sue, it was proposed that our party should retire 
to the boat, under the idea that they would follow 
us down ; no sooner, however, had we waved to 
