Further, at this juncture, the canoe we had chased turned broadside on us, and joined in the threatening demonstrations of the people on shore.

I could not believe them to be serious--thought they had mistaken us--and stood up in the boat to show myself, hat in hand.

I said I was an Englishman going to Kamrasi's, and did all I could, but without creating the slightest impression.

They had heard a drum beat, they said, and that was a signal of war, so war it should be; and Kamrasi's drums rattled up both sides the river, preparing everybody to arm.

This was serious.