Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-06-05
IT SEEMED MADNESS.

where we found large number of natives
assembled. Thev were similar in appear
ance to the Friendly Islanders, but the
language is somewhat different and we
found it necessary to make our wants known
by signs entirely. However, as both parties
were anxious to trade with each other it
was an easy matter to make them under
stand, and we were soon displaying our
goods, and collecting vans, oranges, lines,
eggs, chickens, and other articles of which
We were in want
The Captain would hold up a knife and
point to yam. The natives Immediately
brought small pile and looked inquiringly
at him. A shake of the head caused them
to increse the pile, and this was repeated
until ''no more" was plainly to be seen in
their gestures, and then, after some more
dumb show, the bargain would be struck.
The value of our goods could not have ex-
ceeded So, but it required three boats to
transport the results of our traffic to the
ship. The Captain presented the chiet with
a small pocket looking glass. and his de-
the beach at once and gave himself up to the
contemplation of his hideous face, uttering
loud grunts OF wonder and pleasure. We
lett him engaged in this pastime and re-
turned on board, loaded to the waters edge.
When We returned with two boats to re-
move the remainder of our purchases the
chief made his appearance with the mirror
suspended about his neck by braid of hair,
and presented us with several large grass
bags filled with choice variety of oranges,
unlike any We had ever seen, and which
proved to be far superior in flavor to those
We had purchased
One of the natives was an immense chan,
standing fully six feet in height, and he
muscles stood out in huge punches all over
his body. The Captain playtullv made
signs inviting HIM to go on the ship, and to
our astonishment he willingly assented, but
the chief Immediately interposed and the
big fellow at once turned away. That night
he swan off to the ship and showed everv
desire to stay. In the morning we got un-
der way before daylight asd stood off shore,
bearing with us our new acquisition, whose
immense strength and childlike good nature
soon made him general favorite.
We squared away for Mougonui with a
fresh gale behind us, but the old ship leaked
worse than ever, and we were obliged to
keep the water out of the hold. Our new
man did the work of three ordinary men.
and seemed to think it fine amusement to
swing the pump brake up and down in his
powerful grasp.
Our cabin boy fell overheard during the
passage while attempting to draw a bucket
Of water, and would undoubtedly have
drowned but for the brave native, who
sprang overheard without any hesitation
and held him up until boat was lowered
and they were taken on board.
The leak seemed to grow worse as we pro-
ceeded, and when we reached Mongonui
there were three feet of water in the hold
and we had to patch up.
And now nothing was talked of but
home. The night preceding our departure
all who so desired were allowed ashore, e1-
cept the deserters, and the two crews were
soon celebrating the event in the usual way,
drinking, fighting, singing and shouting
like madmen. At 10 o'clock was ordered
by the mate to take crew and go on shore
after our men. The mate had retired for
the night, and 1 went to the for
castle scuttle and called for q boats crew.
By some means a quantity Of liquor had
been smuggled on board, and they
were all more or less intoxicated. A
turn it was to 60 in the boat, and
a free fight ensued, in which all
hands seemed to be engaged Finding it
useless to attempt to make roy orders |
obeyed, I went aft and informed the mate
of the condition of affairs He Immediately |
came on deck, clad in but one garment, and |
went forward Thrusting his head into |
the scuttle he shouted: Tumble up |
here lively sore of you forecastle |
rangers and man this boatl" A chorus
Of yells and oaths was the only re-
ply, and once more he called to them: sect |
out ofthat forcastle, or I'll come down and |
throw you out! Start nowr' Not a man
appeared, but one man, more reckless than
The rest. yelled defantly: Come down and |
get us, you old billy goatp'
The mate was intensely proud of his lonp
hin whiskers, and We had given him this
name early in the voyage. Probably this
was the first time he had heard it, how
,ver, tor calling on me to follow him, he
matched an iron Delaying pin from the fife
all on the foremast and started down, sailor
ashton, with his lace to the steps No
ooner were his bare limbs within reach of
he men than someone seized him by the
nkle and cried: "Cut himl Cut his legs
,fI"
A rush was made, and in the melee the |