JOHN KENDRICK AND His SONS 287
(Houston Stewart Channel). Koyah and his co-sufferer had not forgotten the indignity to which they had been subjected. Here was the chance for revenge. The na- tives appeared quite friendly. Trade ran quietly along. One day a large number of natives gathered on the vessel and took possession of the arms chests on deck. Koyah then tauntingly called to Captain Kendrick, pointing to his legs : "Put me in your gun carriage now." The sav- ages swarmed upon the deck urged on by an Amazon. The sailors retreated below decks in search of arms. Cap- tain Kendrick at first bravely stood his ground trying to pacify the infuriated horde; gradually he edged to- wards the companion way. The Indians surrounded him. One with a marline spike hovered in act to strike. Daggers gleamed in every direction. Just as Kendrick reached the companion way Koyah jumped upon him and struck with his dagger. Luckily the blow went wide. By this time the crew returned with weapons from be- low; but they dare not fire upon Koyah because of the danger to Captain Kendrick. Finally the captain shook himself free of his assailant and, grasping a musket, led the charge. The natives retreated precipitately before the fire. All the efforts of the Amazon failed to en- hearten them to renew the attack. Soon the deck was clear of all except the woman, who vainly strove to stem the retreat. With one arm stricken off she still clung to the main chains howling like a demon. Discouraged she threw herself into the sea, which was covered with men and canoes. The guns were then turned upon the poor wretches striving to reach safety ; the boats were lowered and the fleeing savages pursued with bloody slaughter. 23 In this connection we may quote the words of that wise trader William Sturgis. He is speaking on the gen- eral subject of attacks by Indians. "I, with better op- portunities for investigating and ascertaining the truth, find the cause in the lawless and brutish violence of white
23 Hoskins' Narrative MS., pp. 132-4, August, 1791.
