Chapter 9

The natives compel the Mentor's people to be tattooed.--Description of that painful operation.--They also oblige them to pluck their beards, &c.--Another vessel passes by the island; and, afterwards, a third comes in sight and remains for three days; the Mentor's people are closely guarded at these times.--The melancholy fate of William Sedon; and the barbarous murder of Peter Andrews.--Attack on H. Holden, who is protected by one of the natives, and escapes.--B. Nute and others are protected by the female natives from the fury of the men.--Death of one of the Pelew chiefs.--Another of the Pelew people is detected in stealing, and is punished in their manner.--Death of Milton Hewlet and Charles C. Bouket; leaving now only B. Nute, H. Holden, and the other Pelew chief, named _Kobak_, who all remained in a feeble and helpless condition.--Filthy practices of the natives.--Friendship of the surviving Pelew chief 101