The camp at first sight presented a most singular appearance, and before the mind had time to reflect on the description of persons who composed it, all the grotesque combinations of barbarism arresting the eye in every direction, created ideas of surprise and astonishment. For us, it must have been an awful reflection, to find ourselves now within a few yards of a horde of armed savages, on whose hospitality or perfidiousness our lives were to depend. However, we remained undaunted, and were resolved to prosecute our purpose at any risk.

The moment we were perceived, one of their women made a signal to us, by holding up a red mat, and waving it in the air, while she repeatedly cried out at the same time in a loud and shrill voice, haromai, haromai, haromai, (come hither,) the customary salutation of friendship and hospitality. Though determined at all hazards to advance, we were not a little encouraged by this cheering invitation, which when once given, is invariably held sacred among them; and we were proceeding boldly, when Duaterra deemed it expedient to check our progress for a few moments. He thought it better, though assured of their good faith from the signal they had given, that himself and Shunghi should have an interview with the chiefs before we entered the camp, in order that our welcome might be made the more cordial.