Here we
awaited the arrival of a canoe, which immediately put off on our
rounding-to. When it arrived, a mild-looking native, of apparently
forty years of age, came on board, and, taking off his straw hat, made
us a low bow. He was clad in a respectable suit of European clothes;
and the first words he uttered, as he stepped up to Jack and shook
hands with him, were--
"Good day, gentlemen. We are happy to see you at Mango; you are
heartily welcome."
After returning his salutation, Jack exclaimed, "You must be the native
missionary teacher of whom I have heard; are you not?"
"I am. I have the joy to be a servant of the Lord Jesus at this
station."
"You're the very man I want to see, then," replied Jack; "that's lucky.
Come down to the cabin, friend, and have a glass of wine. I wish
particularly to speak with you. My men there," pointing to Peterkin and
me, "will look after your people."
"Thank you," said the teacher, as he followed Jack to the cabin; "I do
not drink wine, or any strong drink."
"Oh! then there's lots of water, and you can have biscuit."
"Now, 'pon my word, that's cool!" said Peterkin; "his _men_,
forsooth! Well, since we are to be men, we may as well come it as
strong over these black chaps as we can.--Hallo, there!" he cried to
the half-dozen of natives who stood upon the deck, gazing in wonder at
all they saw, "here's for you;" and he handed them a tray of broken
biscuit and a can of water.
Pages:
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314