The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1874-09-08

point, where they had hitherto been con-
cealed, came crowd of canoes larger than
we had hitherto seen.
The two masses joined, and, with terrific
yells, started for the shore as fast as wind
and paddles would take them.
There were over two hundred canoes in
the fleet, and, as each canoe would average
thirty men, felt grateful enough to think
that their attention was turned from us in
other ways
Had we been attacked by such numbers,
although we should have caused great de-
struction and devastation among them,
they would have overwhelmed us in the
end and consequently should not now
have been here in Boston, narrating this
yarn to you. Steadily they advanced to
the shore, and anxiously we awaited for the
termination of their descent
There was such host of invaders that
the natives of Rava made no opposition to
their landing, so we saw them form into
solid columns on the shore, and disappear
in the mountains.
Captain Smell went on board the Gott-
lieb, as we now must call her, and in COM
pany we stood in as near as we could, and
waited for the invaders to return.
Loud yells informed us as to their line of
march, the cries suddenly ceasing to be
heard.
For two hours we remained in suspense,
and then exultant cries were borne on the
air to us.
Soon the host of natives were seen filing
out of the woods, with shouts that seemed
to have rejoicing and sorrow in their tones,
and presently we deserted that they were
dragging the form of Kanaka, who was
forced along with no gentle hand, although
he struggled violently to escape from their
clutches.
AS the end of the procession came in
view, saw with the spyglass that they
were bringing litter, on which lay the
form of native who had been wounded in
whatever fight they had had.
The natives soon got to their canoes,
embarked, and Immediately padded for us,
forming circle around the two vessels,
greatly to the alarm of my crew, even Mr.
Smell, on the Gottlieb, getting nervous
about our position.
One canoe came directly toward the
Endeavor, and in the stern, greatly to my
regret, saw the form of David Whippey
lying on rude stretcher, his form stained
with blood.
soon discovered the cause. When the
natives landed on Rava, the inhabitants
had fled to their stockaded village before
the overwhelming force, that had halted
in the vicinity, and then sent a party of am
bassadors, of whom David was one, to
treat with them for Darnsford, if he was
on the island.
The man was there, with the chiefs
daughter as Whippey reasoned, and the
inhabitants, on being threatened with anni-
hilation if they were not surrendered to
the attacking force, decided to Go SO with
out further parley.
AS soon as this decision was arrived at,
Darnsford raised a musket and fired at the
ambassadors then seizing club, killed
the woman they sought, who stood near
him. He was knocked down by those with
whom he sought protection, and imme-
diately secured and given up.
The ball from the musket that he fired
struck Whippey in the groin, inficting a
serious wound, and the chiefs had brought
him to my vessel, to see if he could receive
| any alienation at my hands.
am something of a surgeon, and having
beautiful case Of instruments, took
them, and got into the canoe,
Whippey lay there in intense pain, the
perspiration standing in beads all over his
face. With the utmost sympathy for the
sufferer, pressed his hand gently, and
asked where he was hurt.
"The ball struck in the groin" he mur-
INJURED, family, his eye rowing from mine
to the instruments, and back again with
restless motion.
Examining the wound critically, in
serted the probe, and soon discovered the
ball.
81 have found the ball, David, and can
soon relieve you; and hope that you will
soon be over this little scratch" said, in
a ajocular tone, although felt much differ
emily than spoke.
J" Pull it out, then but greatly fear ]
am goner, for wounds don't get well in q
hurry in this climate, he replied
Going carefully to work, sought the
ball with my instrument, and with some