They spoke very rapidly, and I saw by their looks they spoke about us; they looked incessantly at Jack, repeating, '_To maiti tata_.' Jack imitated all their motions, and made some grimaces which seemed to amuse them.

I tried in vain to attract their attention.

I had observed a handkerchief twisted round the head of him who seemed the chief, that reminded me much of the one my mother usually wore.

I approached him, touched the handkerchief, saying expressively, '_Metoua aine mere, et tata frere_;' I added, pointing to the sea, '_pay canot_.' But, alas! they did not appear to understand my words.

The chief thought I wished to rob him of his handkerchief, and repelled me roughly.