oon after, other natives came to us;
and by noon there were thirty about us, from whom we obtained a small
supply. I was much puzzled in what manner to account to the natives for
the loss of my ship: I knew they had too much sense to be amused with a
story that the ship was to join me, when she was not in sight from the
hills. I was at first doubtful whether I should tell the real fact, or
say that the ship had overset and sunk, and that we only were saved: the
latter appeared to be the most proper and advantageous for us, and I
accordingly instructed my people, that we might all agree in one story.
As I expected, inquiries were made about the ship, and they seemed
readily satisfied with our account; but there did not appear the least
symptom of joy or sorrow in their faces, although I fancied I discovered
some marks of surprise. Some of the natives were coming and going the
whole afternoon.

Towards evening, I had the satisfaction to find our stock of provisions
somewhat increased; but the natives did not appear to have much to spare.
What they brought was in such small quantities, that I had no reason to
hope we should be able to procure from them sufficient to stock us for
our voyage. At night, I served a quarter of a breadfruit and a cocoanut
to each person for supper; and a good fire being made, all but the watch
went to sleep.

_Saturday, 2d._--As there was no certainty of our being supplied with
water by the natives, I sent a party among the gullies in the mountains,
with empty shells, to see what could be found. In their absence the
natives came about us, as I expected, and in greater numbers; two canoes
also came in from round the north side of the island. In one of them was
an elderly chief, called Macca-ackavow. Soon after, some of our foraging
party returned, and with them came a good-looking chief, called
Egijeefow, or Eefow.

Their affability was of short duration, for the natives began to increase
in number, and I observed some symptoms of a design against us. Soon
after, they attempted to haul the boat on shore, on which I brandished my
cutlass in a threatening manner, and spoke to Eefow to desire them to
desist: which they did, and everything became quiet again. My people,
who had been in the mountains, now returned with about three gallons of
water. I kept buying up the little bread-fruit that was brought to us,
and likewise some spears to arm my men with, having only four cutlasses,
two o