Three of the great canoes were broken to pieces, and their occupants swimming in the water climbed into the others, among which also a great many men had been wounded.
The effect of this reception upon the valor of the natives was very speedy.

Without a moment's delay they backed off, and were soon seen making out of range of the guns, like a troop of wild fowl scattered by the shot of a fowler.
"They have a horror of cannon," the governor said, exultingly, as he witnessed their departure.

"If we had a few more pieces, I should have no fear of the result." The dispersal of the canoes continued only until they thought that they were out of range; for although the lads now sent several round shot at them, these did not produce any effect, the canoes being but small objects to hit at a distance, when on the move, and the culverins being old pieces, and but little adapted for accurate shooting.
The fleet were soon seen to gather again, and after a little pause they started in a body, as before, along the coast.
"They are going to make a landing elsewhere," Ned said, "and we shall have to meet them in the open.

It is a pity that we have no beasts of burden to which to harness our pieces; for as these are only ships' guns, it is impossible for us to drag them at a speed which would enable us to oppose their landing.

Where are all the natives ?" At the first alarm a large body of the islanders had assembled upon the cliff, but in the excitement of watching the approaching enemy, their movements had not been noticed.