For although among some barbarians the first strangers landing upon their shores, are frequently hailed as divine; and in more than one wild land have been actually styled gods, as a familiar designation; yet this has not exempted the celestial visitants from peril, when too much presuming upon the reception extended to them.

In sudden tumults they have been slain outright, and while full faith in their divinity had in no wise abated.

The sad fate of an eminent navigator is a well-known illustration of this unaccountable waywardness.
With no small anxiety, therefore, we awaited the approach of some of the dignitaries of Mardi; for by this collective appellation, the people informed us, their islands were known.
We waited not long.

Of a sudden, from the sea-side, a single shrill cry was heard.

A moment more, and the blast of numerous conch shells startled the air; a confused clamor drew nearer and nearer; and flying our eyes in the direction of these sounds, we impatiently awaited what was to follow..