Omoo: Adventures in the South Seas

awing near the shore, the grim, black spars and waspish hull of a small man-of-war craft crept into view; the masts an

anchor; but, counting upon the assistance of the corvette in case of any difficulty, he now changed his mind, and anchored alongside of her. As soon as a boat

eels, and a third in a cocked hat and feather. In addition to these articles, they merely wore the ordinary costume of their race-a slip of native cloth about the loins. Indecorous as their behaviour was, these worthies turned out to be a deputation from th

ppa, and handed it to one of the French officers, who, after explaining what was to be done, gave it to Jermin. The mate at once went out to the end of the flying jib boom, and fastened there the mystic symbol of the ban.

strust of the men, however, was, in the present instance, the principal reason for this proceeding. Indeed, it was all but certain, that some kind of attempt would be made at desertion; and therefore, when Jermin's first watch c

who left us that night might have been waked up by his snoring. Certain it was, the mate snored most strangely; and no wonder, with that crooked bugle

ain the news. Springing on deck again, he drove down into the forecastle for a couple of oarsmen, but hardly got there before there was a cry, and a lo

m. Bembo's weight had answered the purpose, showing that the deserters must have ascertained his specific gravity to a fibre of hemp. There was another boat remaining; but it was as w

officer of the deck aboard the Frenchman had noticed our movements, and hailed to know what had happened. Guy informed him through his trumpet, and men to go in pursuit were instantly promised. There was a whis

rrying an armed cr

ing the two whale-boats, which had been f

, cultivating an acquaintance, and gazing upon the shore scenery. The bay was as calm as death; the sun high a

ned them into their reviving shades. Poor invalid rascals! How conducive to the restoration of their shattered health would have

atters, every face covered with blood and dust, and their arms pinioned behind them with green thongs. Following them up, was a shouting rabble

not only were that morning's deserters brought back, but five of those left behind on a former visit. The natives, however, were the mere hounds of the chase, raising the game in their cover

ugh they looked rather sulky, soon came round, and