"It's well to be prepared," replied his father. "I know these natives of old. Sometimes they are quiet and inoffensive, at another time they are bold and war-like, or, what is worse, extremely treacherous."
The mulatto darted off, and presently reappeared, bringing a glass of lime-juice.
"Not that, you ass!" exclaimed Mr. McKay, laughing. "Glass--telescope--see?" and he raised his hands to imitate the operation of using a telescope. "I'll have the drink, anyhow."
Once more Quexo ran to the house, this time bringing back the required instrument.
"There are at least forty natives," said Mr. McKay, after a lengthy examination of the oncoming craft. "They may be armed. If so, their weapons are lying on the bottom of the canoe. But unless I am very much mistaken, there's a white man aboard."
In his eagerness Andy almost snatched the telescope from his parent's hand.
"A queer set of customers," he exclaimed; "but I don't think the white man is a captive, for he's talking to a fellow with his hair frizzed up a foot above his head."
"We've seen enough for the time being," rejoined Mr. McKay quietly, "so we'll return to the house and serve out the arms. At the rate they are travelling, the canoe will be here in ten minutes."
"They won't injure the boat?" asked Andy anxiously, for the yawl was almost like a child to him.
"Not when they see us with rifles in our hands. Whatever you do, don't let them have reason to think we want to fight, and, above all, don't show any signs of fear."
The party quickly strapped on their ammunition belts and revolver holsters, then, grasping their rifles, they hastened down to the beach.
The canoe had by this time entered the lagoon, and its occupants had perceived the house and the other buildings, for they had ceased paddling, and were gazing in wonder towards the shore. Nor did the appearance of five armed men serve to set their minds at rest.
"Hullo, there!" was the reply. "What's your game?"
"Provided you keep your people in order," replied Mr. McKay, then turning to his companions he exclaimed: "By Jove! I know that fellow; he's no good, I'm afraid."
"Yes, I met him on a pearl-fisher in Torres Strait twenty odd years ago. He hasn't changed much in appearance, and I'm afraid his manners haven't. Still, I'll not claim acquaintanceship with him at present."