This caused the chief to spring backwards, and in so doing he stumbled and fell into the water. The natives at once ceased rowing, and assisted him to get into the canoe.
Edgar, as soon as he had fired the shot, put down the rifle and grasped the paddle. They gained on the canoe again, and reached the schooner before the natives. Captain Manton was assisted into the schooner, and Edgar and Wal quickly followed, taking good care to throw their rifles to the men on deck.
Everything was ready for sailing immediately, but before the schooner could get under way the canoe, full of natives, was alongside.
Meri was about to spring on the schooner when Edgar levelled his rifle at him, and Wal Jessop shouted:
‘Get back, or we shall fire. We want to leave peaceably. Go back to your island. You have had many presents from us.’
The chief said they wanted their white man back, and meant to have him.
‘Then you must look out for a row,’ said Wal.
The schooner was now under sail, and although there was but little breeze, she made headway. Seeing the schooner gliding away, the chief gave some order to his men, who stood up and hurled their spears at those on deck.
‘Lie flat down,’ shouted Wal, who saw their intention; and they all fell on the deck. The spears whistled harmlessly over them, one or two striking the mast.
‘Give me the gun; I’ll give them a dose of shot for that,’ said Edgar.