I knew that white men were on board!
The canoe which my men had fetched from Amimbri lay on the beach ready to be launched: the men were there with their paddles ready. Ratenou was in command and waiting for my orders.
What was to be done? I had left the flag at Washington! How sorry I felt!
A long pole which Kombé had cut was brought, and instead of the flag one of my white shirts was tied to its top by the sleeves, and then the pole was elevated, and soon the shirt floated in the shape of a flag.
The vessel came nearer and nearer the shore, and I could soon make out that it was a whaler: there was no mistake about it, for I could see the whale-boats.
With my spy-glass I looked and saw the white faces of the men.
The ship hoisted its flag, and the stars and stripes of the great Republic displayed themselves. A wild hurrah from me greeted their appearance, and my men gave three cheers.
The breakers were heavy, very heavy, but we must go on board; I must hear the news; I must see the face of a white man—I who had been so long away from civilization, from my kindred, and from the world.
“Boys, let us try!” I shouted with excitement; “let us go on board!”
All the voices of my men shouted, “Let us try!” and immediately the canoe came down the beach, five men on each side paddle in hand, Ratenou and I standing by the stern.