terrible Massacre Isles. An attack was again made upon him to prevent his landing, but was repulsed by him, though as gently as possible.
Morrell then entered into negotiation with the chiefs, purchased a small island, raised a fortress, and a large curing house for the biche de mer, and affairs went on prosperously for a time. While this more peaceful time lasted he was unexpectedly joined by a sailor who had survived the attack on Wallace and his comrades. He had been spared by a chief who had fractured his skull with a club; made a slave; was compelled to go naked and paint himself, and was finally desired to fatten himself that he might be eaten—for they roasted and ate all prisoners. Shortly after this event the indefatigable Morrell was compelled to abandon his project of obtaining a footing in Massacre Islands. The chiefs of the several islands collected their forces, and, uniting, attacked the little fort with bows and arrows. They were dispersed and their chiefs slain; but all hopes of commerce were at an end, and Morrell steered for his native land with a heavy heart and impaired fortune.
