Chap. IX. A SCRAMBLE. 289 
" quietly. But such is their custom, and they will 
" have a scramble. Go ! " I immediately acceded to 
his request. We had hardly got on board ship before 
we saw and heard a truly wild scene. We were about 
a quarter of a mile froin the spot, and on the opposite 
side of the river. 
Seven hundred naked savages were twisted and 
entangled in one mass, like a swarm of bees, over the 
line of goods ; and their cries of encouragement, anger, 
disappointment, vengeance, pain, or triumph, were 
blended in one ferocious growl. With a telescope 
could be distinguished brandished weapons, clenched 
fists, torn blankets, uplifted boxes, and occasionally a 
man's body as he leaped or was borne against his will 
over the heads of the throng ; and the faint breath of 
the sea-breeze, as it died away with the setting sun, 
brought an occasional shrill yell or the scream of a 
woman in louder tones than the general buzz. 1 much 
feared that some loss of life would ensue. Two or 
three canoes now put oflf from the shore ; and the 
owners, who had succeeded in securing a share of the 
goods, increased our fears by their contradictory 
rumours as they paddled hastily up the river. Some 
said that Te Ana-ua had been the first to cry Uak'i 
na ! or " Rush now ! " and that E Kuril had brained 
him on the spot. Shortly after, Turoa and Te Ana- 
ua came alongside in two canoes, tolerably laden with 
spoil, and exclaimed against the smallness of their 
share, saying that E Kuru had got all for himself and 
his people. They wanted to return the goods to me ; 
but I steadily refused, and told them that the bargain 
was concluded, and they must now arrange the division 
in their own way. They then went to their settle- 
ments with the goods. Te Ana-ua appeared to have 
been wounded, having a bandage round his head. 
VOL. I. * u 
