Jack and Peterkin and I now looked at each other, and whispered our fears that the savages might clamber up the rocks to search for fresh water, and so discover our place of concealment; but we were so much interested in watching their movements that we agreed to remain where we were; and, indeed, we could not easily have risen without exposing ourselves to detection.One of the savages now went up to the wood and soon returned with a bundle of fire-wood, and we were not a little surprised to see him set fire to it by the very same means used by Jack the time we made our first fire, -namely, with the bow and drill.When the fire was kindled, two of the party went again to the woods and returned with one of the bound men.A dreadful feeling of horror crept over my heart, as the thought flashed upon me that they were going to burn their enemies.As they bore him to the fire my feelings almost overpowered me.I gasped for breath, and seizing my club, endeavoured to spring to my feet; but Jack's powerful arm pinned me to the earth.Next moment one of the savages raised his club, and fractured the wretched creature's skull.He must have died instantly, and, strange though it may seem, I confess to a feeling of relief when the deed was done, because I now knew that the poor savage could not be burned alive.Scarcely had his limbs ceased to quiver when the monsters cut slices of flesh from his body, and, after roasting them slightly over the fire, devoured them.
Suddenly there arose a cry from the woods, and, in a few seconds, the two savages hastened towards the fire dragging the three women and their two infants along with them.One of those women was much younger than her companions, and we were struck with the modesty of her demeanour and the gentle expression of her face, which, although she had the flattish nose and thick lips of the others, was of a light-brown colour, and we conjectured that she must be of a different race.She and her companions wore short petticoats and a kind of tippet on their shoulders.Their hair was jet black, but instead of being long, was short and curly, - though not woolly -somewhat like the hair of a young boy.While we gazed with interest and some anxiety at these poor creatures, the big chief advanced to one of the elder females and laid his hand upon the child.But the mother shrank from him, and clasping the little one to her bosom, uttered a wail of fear.With a savage laugh, the chief tore the child from her arms and tossed it into the sea.Alow groan burst from Jack's lips as we witnessed this atrocious act and heard the mother's shriek, as she fell insensible on the sand.
The rippling waves rolled the child on the beach, as if they refused to be a party in such a foul murder, and we could observe that the little one still lived.
The young girl was now brought forward, and the chief addressed her; but although we heard his voice, and even the words distinctly, of course we could not understand what he said.The girl made no answer to his fierce questions, and we saw by the way in which he pointed to the fire that he threatened her life.
"Peterkin," said Jack in a hoarse whisper, "have you got your knife?""Yes," replied Peterkin, whose face was pale as death.
"That will do.Listen to me, and do my bidding quick.Here is the small knife, Ralph.Fly both of you through the bush, cut the cords that bind the prisoners and set them free.There! quick, ere it be too late.Jack sprang up, and seized a heavy but short bludgeon, while his strong frame trembled with emotion, and large drops rolled down his forehead.
