"From their movements on shore, and their shouts and howls, I should say that it was not impossible. No knowing what notions they've got into their heads about the 'black man.'"
"Likely as not their priests, if they've got any, have told them they ought to attack us," said Wade.
"There are fifty-seven of those kayaks and three oomiaks coming along the shore!" said Kit, who had been watching them with a glass.
"Hark! The crowd on shore have caught sight of them! What a yelling!"
"I do really believe they mean to attack us," Raed observed. "This must be some nasty superstition on their part; some of their religious nonsense."
"Well, we shall have to defend ourselves," said Kit.
"Of course, we sha'n't let them board us," replied Wade.
"Poor fools!" continued Raed. "It would be too bad if we have to kill any of them."
"Can't we frighten them out of it in some way?" I inquired.
"Might fire on them with the howitzer," Kit suggested, "with nothing but powder."