The Arabs cocked their muskets and made a move forward; the marines turned and faced them.

I thought we were in for a fight; however, the bearers carried off their charge and placed it in the boat, when to my astonishment the Arab chief put down his musket and came and made his salaam to me, asking if he might be allowed to visit the ship.

I, of course, was delighted.

We took him and several of his friends on board, and the visit ended in their all getting roaring drunk, being hoisted over the ship's side and landed on the beach.

So passed off what might have been a serious affair.