The means by which the
      vast mass had been precipitated were not more simple than
      evident, for sure traces of the murderous work were yet
      remaining. In several spots along the top of the eastern side of
      the gorge (we were now on the western) might be seen stakes of
      wood driven into the earth. In these spots the earth had not
      given way, but throughout the whole extent of the face of the
      precipice from which the mass had fallen, it was clear, from
      marks left in the soil resembling those made by the drill of the
      rock blaster, that stakes similar to those we saw standing had
      been inserted, at not more than a yard apart, for the length of
      perhaps three hundred feet, and ranging at about ten feet back
      from the edge of the gulf. Strong cords of grape vine were
      attached to the stakes still remaining on the hill, and it was
      evident that such cords had also been attached to each of the
      other stakes. I have already spoken of the singular
      stratification of these soapstone hills; and the description just
      given of the narrow and deep fissure through which we effected
      our escape from inhumation will afford a further conception of
      its nature. This was such that almost every natural convulsion
      would be sure to split the soil into perpendicular layers or
      ridges running parallel with one another, and a very moderate
      exertion of art would be sufficient for effecting the same
      purpose. Of this stratification the savages had availed
      themselves to accomplish their treacherous ends. There can be no
      doubt that, by the continuous line of stakes, a partial rupture
      of the soil had been brought about probably to the depth of one
      or two feet, when by means of a savage pulling at the end of each
      of the cords (these cords being attached to the tops of the
      stakes, and extending back from the edge of the cliff), a vast
      leverage power was obtained, capable of hurling the whole face of
      the hill, upon a given signal, into the bosom of the abyss below. The fate of our poor companions was no longer a matter of
      uncertainty. We alone had escaped from the tempest of that
      overwhelming destruction. We were the only living white men upon
      the island. CHAPTER 22


      Our situation, as it now appeared, was scarcely less dreadful
      than when we had conceived ourselves entombed forever. We saw
      before us no prospect but that of being put to death by the
      savages, or of dragging out a miserable existence in captivity
      among them. We might, to be sure, conceal ourselves for a time
      from their observation among the fastnesses of the hills, and, as
      a final resort, in the chasm from which we had just issued; but
      we must either perish in the long polar winter through cold and
      famine, or be ultimately discovered in our efforts to obtain
      relief. The whole country around us seemed to be swarming with savages,
      crowds of whom, we now perceived, had come over from the islands
      to the southward on flat rafts, doubtless with a view of lending
      their aid in the capture and plunder of the Jane. The vessel
      still lay calmly at anchor in the bay, those on board being
      apparently quite unconscious of any danger awaiting them. How we
      longed at that moment to be with them! either to aid in effecting
      their escape, or to perish with them in attempting a defence. We
      saw no chance even of warning them of their danger without
      bringing immediate destruction upon our own heads, with but a
      remote hope of benefit to them. A pistol fired might suffice to
      apprise them that something wrong had occurred; but the report
      could not possibly inform them that their only prospect of safety
      lay in getting out of the harbour forthwith—it could not tell
      them that no principles of honour now bound them to remain, that
      their companions were no longer among the living. Upon hearing
      the discharge they could not be more thoroughly prepared to meet
      the foe, who were now getting ready to attack, than they already
      were, and always had been. No good, therefore, and infinite harm,
      would result from our firing, and after mature deliberation, we
      forbore. Our next thought was to attempt to rush toward the vessel, to
      seize one of the four canoes which lay at the head of the bay,
      and endeavour to force a passage on board. But the utter
      impossibility of succeeding in this desperate task soon became
      evident. The country, as I said before, was literally swarming
      with the natives, skulking among the bushes and recesses of the
      hills, so as not to be observed from the schooner. In our
      immediate vicinity especially, and blockading the sole path by
      which we could hope to attain the shore at the proper point were
      stationed the whole party of the black skin warriors, with
      Too-wit at their head, and apparently only waiting for some
      re-enforcement to commence his onset upon the Jane. The canoes,
      too, which lay at the head of the bay, were manned with savages,
      unarmed, it is true, but who undoubtedly had arms within reach. We were forced, therefore, however unwillingly, to remain in our
      place of concealment, mere spectators of the conflict which
      presently ensued. In about half an hour we saw some sixty or seventy rafts, or
      flatboats, without riggers, filled with savages, and coming round
      the southern bight of the harbor. They appeared to have no arms
      except short clubs, and stones which lay in the bottom of the
      rafts. Immediately afterward another detachment, still larger,
      appeared in an opposite direction, and with similar weapons. The
      four canoes, too, were now quickly filled with natives, starting
      up from the bushes at the head of the bay, and put off swiftly to
      join the other parties. Thus, in less time than I have taken to
      tell it, and as if by magic, the Jane saw herself surrounded by
      an immense multitude of desperadoes evidently bent upon capturing
      her at all hazards. That they would succeed in so doing could not be doubted for an
      instant. The six men left in the vessel, however resolutely they
      might engage in her defence, were altogether unequal to the
      proper management of the guns, or in any manner to sustain a
      contest at such odds. I could hardly imagine that they would make
      resistance at all, but in this was deceived; for presently I saw
      them get springs upon the cable, and bring the vessel’s starboard
      broadside to bear upon the canoes, which by this time were within
      pistol range, the rafts being nearly a quarter of a mile to
      windward.