"A prisoner? Let me have a look, pater!"
In his eagerness Andy almost snatched the telescope from his parent's hand.
"A queer set of customers," he exclaimed; "but I don't think the white man is a captive, for he's talking to a fellow with his hair frizzed up a foot above his head."
"We've seen enough for the time being," rejoined Mr. McKay quietly, "so we'll return to the house and serve out the arms. At the rate they are travelling, the canoe will be here in ten minutes."
"They won't injure the boat?" asked Andy anxiously, for the yawl was almost like a child to him.
"Not when they see us with rifles in our hands. Whatever you do, don't let them have reason to think we want to fight, and, above all, don't show any signs of fear."
The party quickly strapped on their ammunition belts and revolver holsters, then, grasping their rifles, they hastened down to the beach.
The canoe had by this time entered the lagoon, and its occupants had perceived the house and the other buildings, for they had ceased paddling, and were gazing in wonder towards the shore. Nor did the appearance of five armed men serve to set their minds at rest.
"Hullo, there!" shouted Mr. McKay.
"Hullo, there!" was the reply. "What's your game?"