Then, at a given signal all but one leaped
out of the boat. A second signal all those
in sight on shore disappeared, leaving
only the victims of the traps. These had
ceased their complaints and become quiet,
and now a great stillness fell upon ‘be
island. 1 staked the captain what new
move he thought the Leasts intended to
make, and he replied:
"I think we shall have great trouble
with them. If there was breeze enough
to stem this tide, I should be in favor of
getting out as soon as possible. They
will board us in the yawl as soon as th-‘
tide turns.”
1 pointed to the fact that there was only |
one ape in the boat, and that 1 could put j
a ballet through his head where he sat.
If one of the men would slip over the rai
he could swim to the boat and secure it.
This was looked upon os a good idea.
One of the Borneo men got quietly into the
water and swam to the boat,
and when he was close upon it
1 tired and killed the ape in
charge. His dying yell was answered
from a thousand throats, and in ten seconds
the boat was filled with apes. The sailor
had to return empty handed. It was no
use to tire upon the beasts, as their num
liers were so great, and we therefore re
newed our preparations for defense. Th°
crew propter told us in so many word? that
they would not lift a ha-d except to defend
themselves, as they considered it a crime
to kill an ap*?. If the schooner was
boarded, then they would be justified in
fighting.
