Sketches from Formosa.

WITH THE BU-HWAN HEAD-HUNTERS 117
stocking-soles, has no trace of timidity or irresolution
about him, and is a crack shot at birds on the wing. In
sight of us all he rose, picked up a few leaves, fastened
them on a tree about twelve yards off, returned to the
stones where he had been sitting, raised his six-shooter,
sent all its bullets in quick succession through the pinnedup
leaves, and then quietly sat down. The effect was
as if the Bu-hwaners had suddenly received a galvanic
shock, and I never saw a more amazed and cowed lot of
warriors than those who now stood before us. They
were all ordered to walk in front, which they did, till they
gradually slunk off, and left us to finish our journey in
peace. There can be no doubt that, under a merciful
Providence, it was the prompt, fearless action of our
American friend which saved our lives on that occasion.