It was now that the value of Fitzroy's experiment was to be tested. Matthews, the missionary, asked to be left behind with three natives while the sailors continued their coasting trip; and it was plain enough that York and his bride and Jemmy asked nothing better than to be allowed to settle among their own people, from whom they had now been absent four years. Already Jemmy was recalling his language--which was a great mercy for him, for, as Fitzroy had said earlier, "he had forgotten Fuegian and never more than half learned English, so that he was as ignorant as a rational being could well be." The Captain's surveying expedition lasted for some days, and when it was finished he ordered the boats to call at the spot where the missionary had been left, before they returned to the _Beagle_. Mr. Matthews was awaiting them in a terrible plight: scarcely a rag of clothes on him, hungry, bruised, and wounded, and with a wretched tale to unfold. Jemmy had been robbed of everything he possessed; even York, strong man though he was, had had much ado to protect himself and his wife, while the missionary, left to fend for himself, had not dared to sleep during the whole time. He had been robbed, stoned, threatened with all manner of violence, and only saved from death by doling out buttons, studs, or coins which he had contrived to secrete. Fitzroy, who knew that these people were not only ruffians but occasionally cannibals as well, sent the missionary on board again, and was half tempted to take Jemmy with him also, particularly as the young man was loud in abuse of his family; but on the whole he was likely to be safe enough under York's patronage now that he had nothing left to steal. The brig made sail farther south, and a month or so later returned to her old anchorage. Before long a canoe put off from the shore, and a thin, haggard savage came paddling out to the vessel--Jemmy! Jemmy, without a rag to cover him! "I think, sir, you'll have to take him aboard again," pleaded young Darwin. "It does look like it," said Fitzroy. "I'm afraid we've made a fish out of water of him," and the two went forward to greet their old friend. But Jemmy electrified everyone by the statement that he was perfectly happy, and had only come out to bring a couple of otter-skins to Lieutenant Sulivan and Dr. Bynoe--his favourites among the officers--and some neatly-carved arrows for the Captain; and further, to invite the ship's company ashore to visit the tribe. Mr. Button was fed, and loaded with presents; and later in the day Fitzroy, Sulivan, and Darwin went ashore. The first thing that was apparent was that Jemmy had taught the tribe some English words; the second was that that youth had reasons for not wishing to rejoin the _Beagle_. For, pointing to a modest-looking girl who stood in the background, the old chief tapped the Captain on the shoulder and observed, "Jemmy's wife; Jemmy's wife," and the whole tribe, parrot-like, took up the cry.