They built a bark hut, fenced in a garden with a
rabbit-proof fence, and planted it with potatoes. Their base of
supplies for groceries was at the Old Port.
They were monarchs of all they surveyed,
From the centre all round to the sea.
They paid no rent and no taxes. Sometimes they fished, or went to
the seal islands and brought back seal skins. In the time of the
potato harvest, and when that of the mutton birds drew near, there
were signs of trouble coming from the mainland. Fires were visible
on the shore at night, and smoke by day; and Page suspected that the
natives were preparing to invade the island. At length canoes
appeared bobbing up and down on the waves, but a shot from the rifle
sent them back to the shore. For three days and nights no fire or
smoke was seen, and the two whalers ceased to keep watch. But early
next morning voices were heard from the beach below the hut; the
blacks were trying to launch the boat. Page and Jim shouted at them
and went down the cliff; then the blacks ran away up the rocks, and
were quickly out of sight. Presently Mrs. page came running out of
the hut half dressed, and carrying her baby; she said she heard the
blacks jabbering in the garden. In a short time the hut was in a
blaze, and was soon burned to the ground. The two men then launched
their boat and went to the Port.
Pages:
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401