Page:Narrative of a Voyage around the World - 1843.djvu/164

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110
MAGIC-LANTHORN.
[1837.

making very wry faces at the latter, wine was ordered; the father, however, anxious to taste everything offered her, evidently preferred the milder beverage.

After their repast, presents were given to them, and notice given to retire. This I found not so easily effected, the father and son remaining; and I was compelled to quit them, to pursue my duties on shore. I found them on my return still on board, and, from what I could ascertain from their signs, anxious to barter their furs. I endeavoured to make them comprehend that our supplies were not calculated for trade, nor beyond presents; that I expected no return; and further, that I would land in the evening, and show them fireworks, &c.

At dusk I landed, taking with me a magic-lanthorn and supply of fireworks. At the former they all exhibited the most unfeigned delight, to a degree quite outrageous; but at the ascent of the rockets, their impressions amounted to fear. I had several women grasping me by each hand, huddled into one groupe, and evidently trembling; and, by the light from the fire, I could perceive the tears rolling down the cheeks of Macquilla's wife and daughter, who fled to the bush the instant the fireworks were over; nor could they be persuaded to return, even to witness a second exhibition of the magic-lanthorn.

The excessive enjoyment of Macquilla was ridi-