closely, and examined it attentively. He appeared to be a “mado” of high rank, for he was dressed in a mat of banana leaves, fringed at the edges, and trimmed up with bright colours.
I could easily have shot this fellow, who was so unguardedly gazing at us, but I thought it better to wait the actual commencement of hostilities. Between Europeans and savages it is always better to let the latter commence an attack.
So long as the tide was low these natives prowled around the Nautilus, but they were not demonstrative. I heard them frequently repeat the “assai,” and by their gestures they invited me to go ashore, an invitation which I felt myself obliged to decline.
All that day, therefore, the launch did not leave the ship, much to Land’s disappointment, as he wished to complete his stock of provisions. The “handy” Canadian, however, occupied himself in preparing the food and vegetables we had brought on board. The savages returned to terra firmâ, as the tide rose about eleven o’clock, but their numbers still kept increasing considerably on the shore. It is probable that they came from the neighbouring islands, but I had not yet perceived any of the native canoes.
Having nothing better to do, I thought I would “drag” the clear water, in which numbers of shell-fish could be distinctly seen, as well as zoophytes and marine plants. This was, moreover, the last day which the Nautilus was to pass in this place, if it was to be again afloat the next day, according to Captain Nemo’s promise.
I called to Conseil to bring me a light chag-net,
