[Martin Rattler by Robert Michael Ballantyne]@TWC D-Link book
Martin Rattler

CHAPTER XVIII
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But the most remarkable points about him were the huge pieces of wood which formed ornaments in his ears and under lip.

They were round and flat like the wooden wheel of a toy-cart, about half an inch thick, and larger than an old-fashioned watch.

These were fitted into enormous slits made in the ears and under lip, and the latter projected more than two inches from his mouth! Indeed, the cut that had been made to receive this ornament was so large that the lip had been almost cut off altogether, and merely hung by each corner of his mouth! The aspect of the man was very hideous, and it was by no means improved when, having recovered from his surprise at unexpectedly encountering strangers, he opened his mouth to the full extent and uttered a savage yell.
The cry was answered immediately.

In a few minutes a troop of upwards of thirty savages sprang from the woods, and, ascending the rock on which their comrade stood, gazed down on the travellers in surprise, and, by their movements, seemed to be making hasty preparations for an attack.
By this time Barney had recovered his self-possession, and became thoroughly convinced of the reality of the apparition before him.

Drawing his pistol hastily from his belt, he caught up a handful of gravel, wherewith he loaded it to the muzzle, ramming down the charge with a bit of mandioca-cake in lieu of a wad; then drawing his cutlass he handed it to Martin, exclaiming, "Come, lad, we're in for it now.


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