We were always the best of friends, and I even ventured gradually to wean them from cannibalism.
I knew they ate human flesh, not because they felt hungry, but because they hoped to acquire the additional valour of the warrior they were eating.

I therefore diplomatically pointed out to them that, in the first place, all kinds of dreadful diseases which the dead man might have had would certainly be communicated to them, and in this I was providentially borne out by a strange epidemic.

The second consideration I mentioned was that by making anklets, bracelets, and other ornaments out of the dead braves' hair, they could acquire for themselves in a much more efficacious manner the valour and other estimable qualities of the departed warrior.
Whilst I was on this subject I also advised them strongly and impressively never wantonly to attack white men, but rather to make friendly advances towards them.

I often wonder now whether explorers who follow in my track will notice the absence of cannibalism and the friendly overtures of the natives.
Two half painful, half merry years, passed by.

We had seen several ships passing out at sea, and on more than one occasion Yamba and I, taught by previous lessons, had jumped into our canoe and pulled for many miles in the direction of the sail, leaving the girls watching us eagerly from the shore.