y 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
Maccaackavow. Soon after some of our foraging party returned, and with
them came a good-looking chief called Egijeefow, or perhaps more properly
Eefow, Egij or Eghee, signifying a chief. To each of these men I made a
present of an old shirt and a knife, and I soon found they either had
seen me or had heard of my being at Annamooka. They knew I had been with
captain Cook, who they inquired after, and also captain Clerk. They were
very inquisitive to know in what manner I had lost my ship. During this
conversation a young man named Nageete appeared, whom I remembered to
have seen at Annamooka: he expressed much pleasure at our meeting. I
enquired after Poulaho and Feenow, who they said were at Tongataboo; and
Eefow agreed to accompany me thither if I would wait till the weather
moderated. The readiness and affability of this man gave me much
satisfaction.

This however was but 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 breadfruit that was brought to us, and
likewise some spears to arm my men with, having only four cutlasses, two
of which were in the boat. As we had no means of improving our situation
I told our people I would wait till sunset, by which time perhaps
something might happen in our favour: for if we attempted to go at
present we must fight our way through, which we could do more
advantageously at night; and that in the meantime we would endeavour to
get off to the boat what we had bought. The beach was lined with the
natives and we heard nothing but the knocking of stones together, which
they had in each hand. I knew very well this was the sign of an attack.
At noon I served a coconut and a breadfruit to each person for dinner,
and gave some to the chiefs, with whom I continued to appear intimate and
friendly. They frequently importuned me to sit down but I as constantly
refused: for it occurred both