Even the women with the
children at their backs would not be outdone by the men, and they
formed a grotesque party of opposition jumpers. Tired with a long
exhibition, I retreated to the tent, but was allowed a very short
repose, as I was soon informed that the people from the farthest
tents were come to see my performance, and, on going out, I found
five men stationed at proper distances with their heads down for me
to go over them, which I did amid loud cries of _koyenna_ (thanks).
"As the ship drew near in the evening, I perceived her to be the
Hecla, but, not expecting a boat so late, lay down to sleep. I soon
found my mistake, for a large party came drumming on the side of the
tent, and crying out that a 'little ship' was coming, and, in fact,
I found the boat nearly on shore. Ooyarra's senior wife now
anxiously begged to tattoo a little figure on my arm, which she had
no sooner done than the youngest insisted on making the same mark;
and while all around were running about and screaming in the
greatest confusion, these two poor creatures sat quietly down to
embellish me. When the boat landed, a general rush was made for the
privilege of carrying our things down to it.
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