Captain Vindex made a sign to a slave, who, touching a spring, caused a trapdoor in the back of the Searcher to fly open.
The sunshine descended in a flood.
Terrible cries of rage and triumph were heard, and a swarm of natives appeared on all sides.
At least twenty made a rush at the ladder, brandishing their tomahawks and spears, while they uttered fierce yells and scraps of war songs.
The first who grasped the railing, and placed his foot on the ladder, gave a bound back, and the most fearful shrieks burst from his quivering lips. A second, a third, and a fourth did the same.
What invisible force was at work Mont did not know. He thought the days of magic and sorcery had returned.
A score of Papouans tried to descend; but they had no sooner made the attempt than they instantly retreated, yelling dismally, and threw themselves into the sea.
"Stunning," said Mont. "It's fine, but I don't know how you do it."
The captain smiled.
To get a better view, Mont put one foot on the staircase and one hand on the railing.