324 cook's SECOND VOYAGE APRIL, 



that their joint force was to go against Eimeo. 

 Whether this was done with a view of breaking with 

 their neighbours and allies, if I had promised them 

 assistance, or only to sound my disposition, I know 

 not. Probably they would have been ready enough 

 to have embraced an opportunity which would have 

 enabled them to conquer that kingdom, and annex it 

 to their own as it was formerly. Be this as it may, I 

 heard no more of it ; indeed, I gave them no en- 

 couragement. 



Next clay we had a present of a hog sent by 

 Wahea-toua, king of Tiarabou. For this, in return, 

 he desired a few red feathers, which were, together 

 with other things, sent him accordingly. Mr. Forster 

 and his party set out for the mountains, with an 

 intent to stay out all night. I did not go out of the 

 ship this day. 



Early on the morning of the 29th, Otoo, Towha, 

 and several other grandees, came on board, and 

 brought with them as presents, not only provisions, 

 but some of the most valuable curiosities of the 

 island. I made them returns, with which they were 

 well pleased. 1 likewise took this opportunity to 

 repay the civilities I had received from Towha. 



The night before, one of the natives attempting to 

 steal a water- cask from the watering-place, he was 

 caught in the act, sent on board, and put in irons ; 

 in which situation Otoo and the other chiefs saw 

 him. Having made known his crime to them, Otoo 

 begged he might be set at liberty. This I re- 

 fused, telling him, that since I punished my people, 

 when they committed the least offence against his, 

 it was but just this man should be punished also; 

 and, as I knew he would not do it, I was resolved to 

 do it myself. Accordingly, I ordered the man to be 

 carried on shore to the tents, and having followed 

 myself with Otoo, Towha, and others, I ordered the 

 guard out under arms, and the man to be tied up to 

 a post. Otoo, his sister, and some others begged 



