The warriors—if warriors they were—delayed their coming, however.
The sun set, darkness fell, and it seemed evident that the natives had made a détour, or gone away entirely.
But watchful eyes guarded the Walrus and the village on shore through all the dreary hours of darkness that followed.
The Yaks ashore yonder had been altogether friendly to the Walrus people, and Captain Mayne Brace determined that he would defend them to the last in case of attack.
But night passed by without a single event happening; and about half-past ten, just as the dawn began to appear in the east, like the reflection from a great city, Wright went up to the crow’s-nest, and once more turned his telescope westwards.
Yes; yonder they were, sure enough, at the very head of the bay not five miles off. He could see their gesticulations, and watch the men as they went scurrying to and fro seeking for errant dogs to harness to the sledges.
They were coming! And before day dawned or the sun rose they would be all around the ship.
The best way to secure peace is to be ready for war.
But Captain Mayne Brace was soon prepared to welcome either friend or foe.