Page:The crater; or, Vulcan's peak.djvu/260

20 THE CRATER; This plan was carried out just as Waally had assem bled his chiefs around his own canoe, whither he had called them by an order, to consult on the manner in which the entire coast of the island ought to be examined, that a landing might be effected. The report of the gun came quite unexpectedly to all parties; the echo, which rolled along the cliffs for miles, being absolutely terrific! Owing to the woods and intervening rocks, the natives could see no smoko. which added to their surprise, ana was doubt less 0110 reneon they did not, at first, comprehend the long, cracking, thundering sounos that, as it mignt be, roned out towards them from the island. A cry arose that the strange rocks were speaking, and that the Gods of the place were, angry. This was followed by a general and confused flight; the canoes, paddling away as if their people were apprehensive of being buried beneath the tumbling rocks. For half an hour nothing was seen but frantic efforts to escape, nothing heard but the dip of the paddle and the wash of its rise. Thus far the plan of the governor had succeeded even beyond his expectations. Could he get rid of these savages without bloodshed, it would afford him sincere delight, it being repugnant to all his feelings to swee^> away rows of such ignorant men before the murderous fire of his cannon. While he and Heaton were congratulating each other on the encouraging appearances, a messenger came down from the Peak, where Bridget remained on the look-out, to re port that the boat had drifted in, and was getting close under the cliffs, on the northern end of the island, which was in fact coming close under the Peak itself. A signal to push for the cove had been named to Juno, and Bridget desired to know whether it ought to be made, else the boat would shortly be too near in, to see it. The governor thought the moment favourable, for the canoes were still paddling in a body away from the spot whence the roar had proceeded, and their course carried them to the south ward and westward, while Unus would approach from the northward and eastward. Word was sent, accordingly, to make the signal. Bridget no sooner received this order than she showed the flag, which was almost immediately answered by