A large number of them, however, hearing of Dingarn's liberality to Captain Gardiner, were determined to extort a similar grant to themselves by a display of power.
First came a letter, which Mr.Owen had to read and interpret to the chief, and not long after a large deputation arrived, armed and mounted on strong horses.

Dingarn showed them a war-dance, and they in return said they would show how the boers danced on horseback, and exhibited a sham-fight, which did indeed alarm the savage, but, so far from daunting him, only excited his treachery and fierceness.

He gave a sort of general answer, and the messengers retired.

But from that time his interest in Mr.Owen's teaching flagged; he wanted fire-arms instead of religion, and preachings led to cavillings.

Indications of evil intentions likewise reached Captain Gardiner, who sent to warn Mr.Owen, and to offer him a refuge at Hambanati in case of need.