It came on to rain as the Americans landed; and
though none offered to oppose their coming ashore, none invited them to
take shelter. They were nowise abashed, entered a house unbidden, and
were made welcome with obvious reserve. The rain clearing off, they set
forth westward, deeper into the heart of the enemies' position. Three or
four young men ran some way before them, doubtless to give warning; and
Leary, with his indomitable taste for mischief, kept inquiring as he went
after "the high chief" Tamasese. The line of the beach was one
continuous breastwork; some thirty odd iron cannon of all sizes and
patterns stood mounted in embrasures; plenty grape and canister lay
ready; and at every hundred yards or so the German flag was flying. The
numbers of the guns and flags I give as I received them, though they test
my faith. At the house of Brandeis--a little, weatherboard house,
crammed at the time with natives, men, women, and squalling
children--Leary and Moors again asked for "the high chief," and, were
again assured that he was farther on. A little beyond, the road ran in
one place somewhat inland, the two Americans had gone down to the line of
the beach to continue their inspection of the breastwork, when Brandeis
himself, in his shirt-sleeves and accompanied by several German officers,
passed them by the line of the road.
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