But they were simple travelers,
catching the birds, beasts, and insects of the country, to take
home with them to show to the people in England. The only things
which they could offer him were a double barreled breech loading
rifle of the best English construction, and a little gun, which
would fire sixteen times without loading.
The king examined the pieces with great attention, and, at his request,
Mr. Goodenough fired off the whole contents of the magazine of the
repeating rifle, whose action caused the greatest astonishment to
the assembled chiefs. The king then intimated his acceptance of
the presents, and said that he would speak farther with them on a
future occasion. He informed them that they were free to move about
in the town where they wished, and that the greatest respect would
be shown to them by the people. There was a fresh outburst of wild
music, and they were then conducted back to their house.
After the assembly had dispersed the two Englishmen walked about
through the town. It was not of great extent, but the streets
were broad and well kept. Many of the houses were much larger than
that allotted to them, but all were built on the same plan.
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