The beach was lined with natives, numbering at least 180 men, besides a host of women and children.
The men were of medium stature, muscular, and well built. In colour they resembled that of Quexo, being considerably lighter than the natives of New Guinea. Many of them bore scars, possibly self-inflicted or the result of inter-tribal wars.
"Stand by to let go!" shouted Andy to Terence and Ellerton. Then, as the yawl shot up into the wind, he followed up with: "Let go!"
With a roar and rattle of chain the anchor plunged to the bottom of the lagoon, and as the crew prepared to lower and stow the sails, Mr. McKay waved his arm towards the crowded shore.
"Well, lads," he exclaimed, "what do you think of our allies?"
CHAPTER XI
THE FRUSTRATED SACRIFICE
"A rum-looking crowd," observed Terence. "They look as if they could do a lot of damage, though."
"Yes," replied Mr. McKay, "I am sure of it. These fellows often fight for fighting's sake, and a pretty spectacle they make of it at times. I've seen them at it before."