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- 2026-01-30T20:48:15.152Z
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- 7094
- text
- CHAPTER LI.
WILSON GIVES US THE CUT—DEPARTURE FOR IMEEO
About three weeks after the Julia’s sailing, our conditions began to be
a little precarious. We were without any regular supply of food; the
arrival of ships was growing less frequent; and, what was worse yet,
all the natives but good old Captain Bob began to tire of us. Nor was
this to be wondered at; we were obliged to live upon their benevolence,
when they had little enough for themselves. Besides, we were sometimes
driven to acts of marauding; such as kidnapping pigs, and cooking them
in the groves; at which their proprietors were by no means pleased.
In this state of affairs, we determined to march off to the consul in a
body; and, as he had brought us to these straits, demand an adequate
maintenance.
On the point of starting, Captain Bob’s men raised the most outrageous
cries, and tried to prevent us. Though hitherto we had strolled about
wherever we pleased, this grand conjunction of our whole force, upon
one particular expedition, seemed to alarm them. But we assured them
that we were not going to assault the village; and so, after a good
deal of gibberish, they permitted us to leave.
We went straight to the Pritchard residence, where the consul dwelt.
This house—to which I have before referred—is quite commodious. It has
a wide verandah, glazed windows, and other appurtenances of a civilized
mansion. Upon the lawn in front are palm-trees standing erect here and
there, like sentinels. The Consular Office, a small building by itself,
is inclosed by the same picket which fences in the lawn.
We found the office closed; but, in the verandah of the dwelling-house,
was a lady performing a tonsorial operation on the head of a
prim-looking, elderly European, in a low, white cravat;—the most
domestic little scene I had witnessed since leaving home. Bent upon an
interview with Wilson, the sailors now deputed the doctor to step
forward as a polite inquirer after his health.
The pair stared very hard as he advanced; but no ways disconcerted, he
saluted them gravely, and inquired for the consul.
Upon being informed that he had gone down to the beach, we proceeded in
that direction; and soon met a native, who told us that, apprised of
our vicinity, Wilson was keeping out of the way. We resolved to meet
him; and passing through the village, he suddenly came walking toward
us; having apparently made up his mind that any attempt to elude us
would be useless.
“What do you want of me, you rascals?” he cried—a greeting which
provoked a retort in no measured terms. At this juncture, the natives
began to crowd round, and several foreigners strolled along. Caught in
the very act of speaking to such disreputable acquaintances, Wilson now
fidgeted, and moved rapidly toward his office; the men following.
Turning upon them incensed, he bade them be off—he would have nothing
more to say to us; and then, hurriedly addressing Captain Bob in
Tahitian, he hastened on, and never stopped till the postern of
Pritchard’s wicket was closed behind him.
Our good old keeper was now highly excited, bustling about in his huge
petticoats, and conjuring us to return to the Calabooza. After a little
debate, we acquiesced.
This interview was decisive. Sensible that none of the charges brought
against us would stand, yet unwilling formally to withdraw them, the
consul now wished to get rid of us altogether; but without being
suspected of encouraging our escape. Thus only could we account for his
conduct.
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