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"The Lion had hitherto been beset by smaller numbers, and her crew, by firmly keeping
their seats on the cover spread over the cargo, and by beating the natives
off with the butt-ends of their muskets, had been able to
prevent any article of importance from being carried away.
But as soon as I perceived that the work of plunder was going
on so actively in the Reliance, I went with Augustus to assist
in repressing the tumult; and our bold and active little interpreter
rushed among the crowd on shore, and harangued them
on their treacherous conduct, until he was actually hoarse. In a short time, however, I was summoned back by Duncan, who called out to me that the Esquimaux had now commenced in earnest to plunder the Lion, and, on my return, I found the sides of the boat lined with men as thick as they could stand, brandishing their knives in the most furious manner, and attempting to seize every thing that was movable; whilst another party was ranged on the outside ready to bear away the stolen goods." |
