to believe that they were in the neighbourhood
of a group occasionally visited by trading vessels, had set out in
search of it, in a small boat. Their belief as to the existence and
situation of these islands proved to be well founded; they had finally
succeeded in reaching them, had been hospitably received and treated by
the natives, among whom they had acquired considerable influence, but
had as yet had no opportunity of returning home.

They were now, he said, on their return from a trading voyage to a
neighbouring island, where they had just disposed of a cargo of mats and
tappa, in exchange for baskets of native manufacture, and sharks' teeth.
Having been becalmed all the preceding day and night, they feared that
they had drifted out of their course, since, otherwise, they ought,
after making full allowance for the calm, to have already reached their
own island. He finished by assuring us, that we might calculate with
confidence, upon enjoying perfect security and kind treatment among
these people.

The conference being concluded, he directed us to put up our sail, and
steer after the canoe; adding that he expected to reach the group before
midnight if the wind held fair. He spoke with the air of one delivering
a command, and evidently considered us entirely under his control. But
of course we felt no disposition to object to what he directed. The
fact, that the natives had treated him and his companions so well, was
an encouragement to us, as affording some proof of their friendly and
peaceful character, and we supposed that he could have no possible
motive for using his influence to our prejudice. Even had there been
any other course for us to choose, to escape perishing, we were in no
condition to make any effectual opposition to the will of our new
acquaintances.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Note. This fish story has several rather astonishing features--at least
to an inexperienced landsman. The sword-fish and thresher are said to
seek and attack the right whale together; but a nautical friend, whom I
have consulted on the subject, says he has never heard of their
interfering with the cachelot, or sperm-whale, which would, he thinks,
be very likely to make mince-meat of them both, should they be guilty of
such temerity: the right whale uses no other weapon than his powerful
tail; whereas the cachelot goes at an adversary with open jaws. Upon my
inquir