things and a cooper's adze; and Cook, though at first inclined to
take no notice, felt compelled to seize two canoes, and himself wounded a
man, who had rendered himself conspicuous by his disorderly conduct, with
a charge of small shot, and it was at first rumoured he was killed. This
Cook would not believe as he had been very careful not to fire at a vital
spot. After a time the muskets and some of the other things were given
up, so the canoes were returned to their owners, and the adze was
demanded. Instead of the adze, however, the reported corpse was brought
on board, and proved, on examination by the doctor, to be very little the
worse for his experience, having a slight wound on the thigh and a second
one on the wrist. He was soon on his feet, and the adze was then
produced. The next day the people were very civil, and the crew were able
to water without interruption.

On 16th July they sighted Aurora Island, discovered by Bougainville, but
it came on to blow hard, so they did not attempt to anchor. The natives
came down fully armed as if to oppose a landing, and the ship passed on
to Whitsunday Island. Off Malicolo good anchorage was found, and the
natives came on board, and were so pleased with their reception they
returned next day in greater numbers, and whilst Cook was in his cabin
with some who appeared to be chiefs, a great noise arose on deck. A boat
keeper had declined to allow a native to get into his boat, and the
islander was fitting an arrow to his bow as Cook came on deck, with the
intention of shooting the sailor. Cook shouted at him, and he at once
diverted his aim to the Captain, but the latter was too quick, and
peppered him with small shot, spoiling his aim. He was not much hurt, and
proceeded to fit another arrow to his bow, when Cook gave him the second
barrel and induced him to retire. Some of the others also discharged a
few arrows, so a musket was fired over them, without any effect. A
four-pound gun was tried, and the effect was truly marvellous; the
natives in the rigging and on deck threw themselves into the water,
whilst those in the cabin jumped from the ports, and the ship was left in
peace. Cook was not favourably impressed by these islanders, and
describes them as "in general, the most ugly ill-proportioned people I
ever saw." Forster, however, thought they were very intelligent. They
were judged to be a different race from the Society or Friendly
Islanders, and spoke a different l