To go on seemed certain death.

To stop was our only alternative; and as we were armed we should not be altogether at the mercy of these creatures.

Having made this decision we acted upon it at once, for in such a current there was no time for delay; and so, seizing the oars, we soon brought the boat ashore.
As we approached, the crowd of natives stood awaiting us, and looked more repulsive than ever.

We could see the emaciation of their bony frames; their toes and fingers were like birds' claws; their eyes were small and dull and weak, and sunken in cavernous hollows, from which they looked at us like corpses--a horrible sight.

They stood quietly, however, and without any hostile demonstration, holding their spears carelessly resting upon the ground.
"I don't like the looks of them," said I."I think I had better fire a gun." "Why ?" cried Agnew.