This was nothing more nor less than the arrival on the island of a couple of naked savages in a small dug-out.
It had been blowing all night a strong breeze from the direction of the island, that from Beacon Hill could just be seen by the aid of the telescope. Doubtless the savages had been carried out to sea, or they never would have attempted so long a voyage in so small and clumsy a craft as an outriggered dug-out.
As they drew near to the beach—exactly at the spot where the brig went to pieces—the castaways hid themselves in the bush, lest they should frighten them.
They landed at last, and stood wonderingly on the sands, pointing to the ribs of the Resolute, that was still visible, black and ghastly in the surf. Tall and noble-looking figures these savages presented. They were entirely naked, with the exception of a kind of cummerbund of fibrous grass around the waist, and each held a long spear in his hand.
The castaways now stalked out.
The savages uttered a yell, threw their spears at them, one glancing close past Fred's head, and made a rush for their boat. But before ever they could get her afloat again our men were upon them and had made them prisoners.
CHAPTER XXX.
"THERE IS NO GOING BACK NOW," FRANK SAID.
Frightened the savages certainly had been at the sudden rush of three white men and one black giant—Quambo—from the bush in what they must have thought an uninhabited island; but cowards they were not. Indeed, as soon as they found themselves captured they submitted to the inevitable with a grace that was highly dignified.
Quambo had sailed in the Southern Pacific for many years, and was not now surprised that he could understand the language of these men. He was very proud, however, at being suddenly raised to the dignity of interpreter. With all the inborn courage of island warriors those savages seemed to possess the simplicity of childhood. They were talking to Quambo, and pointing to Fred, when the latter begged Quambo to translate. "They say," said Quambo, "they not have eat since yes'day; they say, suppose you gib 'em banana now to eat and cocoanut water to drink, the savages will taste yum yum when we cook and eat them."