The natives jumped overboard; and swimming under the lee of the _taumualua_ (where they escaped a second volley) dragged her towards the east.

As soon as they were out of range and past the Mulivai, the German border, they got on board and (again singing--though perhaps a different song) continued their return along the English and American shore.

Off Matautu they were hailed from the seaward by one of the _Adler's_ boats, which had been suddenly despatched on the sound of the firing or had stood ready all evening to secure the gun.

The hail was in German; the Samoans knew not what it meant, but took the precaution to jump overboard and swim for land.

Two volleys and some dropping shot were poured upon them in the water; but they dived, scattered, and came to land unhurt in different quarters of Matautu.