I may not force you to listen if you are not willing to hear." At the mention of the women and children being required to assemble along with them, the natives pricked up their ears, and, as a matter of course, they willingly agreed to listen to all that the missionary had to say to them.
This being settled, and the natives knowing, from former experience, that the Christians never broke faith with them, they advanced to the mound pointed out and threw down their arms.

A strong guard was placed over these; the troops of the settlement were disposed in such a manner as to prevent the possibility of their being recovered, and then the women and children were set free.
It was a noisy and remarkable meeting that which took place between the men and women of the tribe on this occasion; but soon surprise and expectation began to take the place of all other feelings as the strange intentions of the missionary were spoken of, and in a very short time Mr.Mason had a large and most attentive congregation.
Never before had the missionary secured such an opportunity.

His eccentric method of obtaining a hearing had succeeded beyond his expectations.

With a heart overflowing with gratitude to God, he stood up and began to preach the gospel.
Mr.Mason was not only eccentric, but able and wise.

He made the most of his opportunity.