Then, after a hurried consultation, they hauled down their sails and paddled back to the wharf.

Why they did this I cannot tell.

Perhaps they thought that he was bewitched, or only wounded and required the attentions of a medicine-man.

Perhaps it was not lawful for them to proceed except under the guidance of some reserve Kalubi who had "passed the god" and who was on shore.

Perhaps it was necessary, according to their rites, that the body of their chief should be landed with certain ceremonies.