Then, simultaneously, they threw themselves on their faces.
"They believe that we are gods, or superior beings of some kind," Ned said.

"They have clearly never heard of the Spaniards.

What good fortune for us! Now, let us reassure them." So saying, he stooped over the prostrate Indians, patted them on the head and shoulders; and, after some trouble, he succeeded in getting them to rise.

Then he motioned them to sit down round the fire, put on some more meat and, when this was cooked, offered a piece to each, Tom and himself setting the example of eating it.
The astonishment of the natives was great.

Many of them, with a cry, dropped the meat on finding it hot; and an excited talk went on between them.