ccount 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
enquiries 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,
and we got enough of breadfruit, plantains, and coconuts for another day;
but of water they only brought us about five pints. A canoe also came in
with four men and brought a few coconuts and breadfruit which I bought as
I had done the rest. Nails were much enquired after, but I would not
suffer any to be shown as they were wanted for the use of the boat.

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 sunset all the natives left us in quiet possession of the
cove. I thought this a good sign, and made no doubt that they would come
again the next day with a better supply of food and water, with which I
hoped to sail without farther delay: for if in attempting to get to
Tongataboo we should be driven to leeward of the islands there would be a
larger quantity of provisions to support us against such a misfortune.

At night I served a quarter of a breadfruit and a coconut to each person
for supper and, a good fire being made, all but the watch went to sleep.

Saturday 2.

At daybreak the next morning I was pleased to find everyone's spirits a
little revived, and that they no longer regarded me with those anxious
looks which had constantly been directed towards me since we lost sight
of the ship: every countenance appeared to have a degree of cheerfulness,
and they all seemed determined to do their best.

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 empt