[Gascoyne, The Sandal Wood Trader by R. M. Ballantyne]@TWC D-Link book
Gascoyne, The Sandal Wood Trader

CHAPTER IV
18/19

As for the crew of the Foam, they are ordinary seamen, and not likely to amuse themselves chasing wounded savages, even if they were allowed to go ashore, which I think is not likely; for Gascoyne knows well enough that that side of the island is inhabited by the pagans, who would as soon kill and eat a man as they would a pig." "Sooner,--the monsters!" exclaimed the boy, indignantly; for he had, on more than one occasion, been an eyewitness of the horrible practise of cannibalism which prevails, even at the present day, among some of the South Sea islanders.
"There is a mystery here," said Henry, starting up, "and the sooner we alarm the people of the settlement, the better.

Come, Corrie, we shall return to the house, and let the British officer hear what you have told me." When the lad had finished relating his adventure to the party in Widow Stuart's cottage, Gascoyne said quietly, "I would advise you, Captain Montague, to return to your ship and make your preparations for capturing this pirate, for that he is even now almost within range of your guns, I have not the slightest doubt.

As to the men appearing piratical-looking fellows to this boy, I don't wonder at that; most men are wild enough when their blood is up.

Some of my own men are as savage to look at as one would desire.

But I gave strict orders this morning that only a few were to go ashore, and these were to keep well out of sight of the settlement of the savages.


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