66 cook's voyage to sept. 



hens had not begun to lay. I got from Otoo four 

 goats ; two of which 1 intended to leave at Ulietea, 

 where none had as yet been introduced ; and the 

 other two, I proposed to reserve for the use of any 

 other islands I might meet with in my passage to the 

 north. 



A circumstance which I shall now mention of 

 Otoo, will shew that these people are capable of 

 much address and art to gain their purposes. 

 Amongst other things which, at different times, I had 

 given to this chief, was a spying-glass. After hav- 

 ing it in his possession two or three days, tired of its 

 novelty, and probably finding it of no use to him, he 

 carried it privately to Captain Clerke, and told him, 

 that, as he had been his very good friend, he had 

 got a present for him, which he knew would be agree- 

 able. " But, says Otoo, you must not let Toote know 

 it ; because he wants it, and I would not let him have 

 it." He then put the glass into Captain Clerke's 

 hands ; at the same time, assuring him, that he came 

 honestly by it. Captain Clerke at first declined ac- 

 cepting it ; but Otoo insisted upon it, and left it 

 with him. Some days after, he put Captain Clerke 

 in mind of the glass ; who, though he did not want 

 it, was yet desirous of obliging Otoo ; and thinking, 

 that a few axes would be of more use at this island, 

 produced four to give him in return. Otoo no sooner 

 saw this, than he said, " Toote offered me five for it." 

 " Well, says Captain Clerke, if that be the case, your 

 friendship for me shall not make you a loser, and vou 

 shall have six axes." These he accepted ; but desired 

 again, that I might not be told what he had done. 



Our friend Omai got one good thing at this island 

 for the many good things he gave away. This was 

 a very fine double sailing canoe, completely equipped, 

 and fit for the sea. Some time before, I had made 

 up for him, a suit of English colours ; but he thought 

 these too valuable to be used at this time ; and patched 

 up a parcel of colours, such as flags and pendants, 



