It was evident that these Papuans had already had dealings with the Europeans and knew their ships.

But this long iron cylinder anchored in the bay, without masts or chimneys, what could they think of it?
Nothing good, for at first they kept at a respectful distance.

However, seeing it motionless, by degrees they took courage, and sought to familiarise themselves with it.

Now this familiarity was precisely what it was necessary to avoid.

Our arms, which were noiseless, could only produce a moderate effect on the savages, who have little respect for aught but blustering things.