ad concluded his conference with Rokoa, he led us to a
large building near the beach, in a very ruinous and decayed state, and
completely over-shadowed by aged tamanu-trees. It seemed, from its size
and peculiar structure, to be a deserted marae, or native temple. He
then sent away two of his people, who soon returned with several
clusters of cocoa-nuts, and some bananas, for our refreshment. On
learning that the supply of water which we had taken in for our voyage,
was nearly exhausted, he informed us that there was no spring or stream,
nearer than his village, which was some two miles inland, and promised
to have a supply sent us during the day. They had come down to the
shore, as we now learned, for the purpose of cutting mangrove roots,
from which they make large and powerful bows, and the whole party soon
left us at the marae, and proceeded to the beach; in about an hour we
saw them depart inland, carrying fagots of these roots, without taking
any further notice of us.

"It had fallen calm soon after sunrise, so that we could not for the
present have resumed our voyage, had we been so inclined.

"About half an hour before noon, a number of the natives whom we had
seen in the morning, again made their appearance, with several large
calabashes of water, and a quantity of taro and bread-fruit for our use.
Rokoa distributed among them some trifling presents, which they hastily
concealed among the folds of their maros. A few moments afterwards
Mowno himself emerged from the grove, attended by the remainder of the
party we had seen in the morning. There was now a further distribution
of presents, when I perceived the reason why the first comers had so
hastily concealed the trifles which had been given them. All presents,
no matter on whom bestowed, seemed to be regarded as the especial
perquisites of the chief, and a youth, who acted as Mowno's personal
attendant, presently went round among the others, collecting and taking
possession of everything which he had seen them receive. This was
submitted to without remonstrance, and apparently as a matter of course,
though by no means cheerfully.

"Soon after this somewhat autocratic proceeding, Mowno turned abruptly
to Barton, and saying that he must now return to the village, invited
him to go with him to visit it. Barton appearing to hesitate, the chief
pressed the matter so earnestly that his suspicions were aroused, and he
peremptorily declined. Mowno's angry