Page:MKGandhi patriot.djvu/89

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74
AN INDIAN PATRIOT

extending from the south end of the main wharf to some distance along the north pier, could be perceived, but they seemed to take matters very calmly. The Indians on board did not seem much scared, and Mr. Gandhi and a few others who were on deck looked on with an unperturbed expression. The main body of the demonstrators, who had thronged the vessels at the main wharf, could not be seen from the incoming steamers. The surprise experienced by those on the embankment when they saw the Courland laid alongside the Bluff Channel mooring was seen by their actions. They were seen to rush hither and thither, entirely at a loss how to proceed, and soon they all left to attend the meeting on Alexandra Square. This was the last that the vessels were to see of the much talked of Demonstration. Meanwhile, Mr. Escombe was pulled alongside the Courland in a rowing-boat, which was also occupied by Captain Ballard, Port Captain, Mr. Reid, Wharf-master, and Mr. Simpkins, Mooring-master. The Attorney-General said: “Captain Milne, I want you to inform your passengers that they are as safe under the Natal Government laws, as if they were in their own native villages.” The Captain asked if it was advisable for him to allow them to land.