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- 3423
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- 2026-01-30T20:48:18.535Z
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- 3358
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- facilitating reference. Hence, it is quite imposing to behold, all in a
row, three or four, sometime five or six, of these drawings; showing
that so many monsters that day jetted their last spout. And the chief
mate, whose duty it is to keep the ship’s record, generally prides
himself upon the beauty, and flushy likeness to life, of his flukes;
though, sooth to say, many of these artists are no Landseers.
After vainly searching the cabin for those articles we most needed, we
proceeded to explore the hold, into which as yet we had not penetrated.
Here, we found a considerable quantity of pearl shells; cocoanuts; an
abundance of fresh water in casks; spare sails and rigging; and some
fifty barrels or more of salt beef and biscuit. Unromantic as these
last mentioned objects were, I lingered over them long, and in a
revery. Branded upon each barrel head was the name of a place in
America, with which I was very familiar. It is from America chiefly,
that ship’s stores are originally procured for the few vessels sailing
out of the Hawaiian Islands.
Having now acquainted myself with all things respecting the Parki,
which could in any way be learned, I repaired to the quarter-deck, and
summoning round me Samoa, Annatoo, and Jarl, gravely addressed them.
I said, that nothing would give me greater satisfaction than forthwith
to return to the scene of the massacre, and chastise its surviving
authors. But as there were only four of us in all; and the place of
those islands was wholly unknown to me; and even if known, would be
altogether out of our reach, since we possessed no instruments of
navigation; it was quite plain that all thought of returning thither
was entirely useless. The last mentioned reason, also, prevented our
voyaging to the Hawaiian group, where the vessel belonged; though that
would have been the most advisable step, resulting, as it would, if
successful, in restoring the ill-fated craft to her owners.
But all things considered, it seemed best, I added, cautiously to hold
on our way to the westward. It was our easiest course; for we would
ever have the wind from astern; and though we could not so much as hope
to arrive at any one spot previously designated, there was still a
positive certainty, if we floated long enough, of falling in with
islands whereat to refresh ourselves; and whence, if we thought fit, we
might afterward embark for more agreeable climes. I then reminded them
of the fact, that so long as we kept the sea, there was always some
prospect of encountering a friendly sail; in which event, our
solicitude would be over.
All this I said in the mild, firm tone of a superior; being anxious, at
once to assume the unquestioned supremacy. For, otherwise, Jarl and I
might better quit the vessel forthwith, than remain on board subject to
the outlandish caprices of Annatoo, who through Samoa would then have
the sway. But I was sure of my Viking; and if Samoa proved docile, had
no fear of his dame.
And therefore during my address, I steadfastly eyed him; thereby
learning enough to persuade me, that though he deferred to me at
present, he was, notwithstanding, a man who, without precisely
meditating mischief, could upon occasion act an ugly part. But of his
courage, and savage honor, such as it was, I had little doubt. Then,
wild buffalo that he was, tamed down in the yoke matrimonial, I could
not but fancy, that if upon no other account, our society must please
him, as rendering less afflictive the tyranny of his spouse.
For a hen-pecked husband, by the way, Samoa was a most terrible fellow
to behold. And though, after all, I liked him; it was as you fancy a
fiery steed with mane disheveled, as young Alexander fancied
Bucephalus; which wild horse, when he patted, he preferred holding by
the bridle. But more of Samoa anon.
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