It was a long, weary, anxious day for me. The party had left the
ship in the morning, remaining absent until nightfall, and at least
four or five times every hour did I run up from the cabin to gaze
shoreward in the hope of seeing them return, for I was most eager to
have the business pushed forward, and to know whether my master's
enemies were given, by the London Company, permission to do whatsoever
they pleased.
AN ATTACK BY THE SAVAGES
Just after sunset, and before the darkness of night closed in, those
who had been on shore came back very hurriedly and in disorder,
bringing with them in the foremost boat, two wounded men.
"They have had a battle with some one, Master," I reported, before
yet the boats were come alongside, and for the first time that day
did Captain Smith appear to be deeply concerned. I heard him say
as if to himself, not intending that the words should reach me:
"Lack of caution in dealing with the savages is like to cost us
dearly."
Half an hour later I heard all the story from Nathaniel Peacock,
who had believed himself fortunate when he was allowed to accompany
the party on shore.
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