of it
or 3 or 4 other small woody islands; one high and peaked, the other low
and flat; all bedecked with coconut-trees and other wood. On the north
there is another island of an indifferent height, and of a somewhat
larger circumference than the great high island last mentioned. We passed
between this and the high island. The high island is called in the Dutch
charts Anthony Cave's Island. As for the flat low island and the other
small one, it is probable they were never seen by the Dutch; nor the
islands to the north of Gerrit Dennis Island.

ITS INHABITANTS.

As soon as we came near Cave's Island some canoes came about us and made
signs for us to come ashore, as all the rest had done before; probably
thinking we could run the ship aground anywhere, as they did their proas;
for we saw neither sail nor anchor among any of them, though most eastern
Indians have both. These had proas made of one tree, well dug, with
outlagers on one side: they were but small yet well shaped. We
endeavoured to anchor but found no ground within a mile of the shore: we
kept close along the north side, still sounding till we came to the
north-east end, but found no ground; the canoes still accompanying us;
and the bays were covered with men going along as we sailed: many of them
strove to swim off to us but we left them astern. Being at the north-east
point we found a strong current setting to the north-west; so that though
we had steered to keep under the high island, yet we were driven towards
the flat one. At this time 3 of the natives came aboard: I gave each of
them a knife, a looking-glass, and a string of beads. I showed them
pumpkins and coconut-shells, and made signs to them to bring some aboard,
and had presently 3 coconuts out of one of the canoes. I showed them
nutmegs, and by their signs I guessed they had some on the island. I also
showed them some gold-dust, which they seemed to know, and called out
"manneel, manneel," and pointed towards the land. A while after these men
were gone 2 or 3 canoes came from the flat island, and by signs invited
us to their island; at which the others seemed displeased, and used very
menacing gestures and (I believe) speeches to each other. Night coming on
we stood off to sea; and, having but little wind all night, were driven
away to the north-west. We saw many great fires on the flat island. These
last men that came off to us were all black, as those we had seen before
with frizzled hair: the