II 



1769. ROUND THE WORLD. 131 



Mr. Banks's confidence in Tnboiirai Tamaide had 

 greatly increased since the affair of the knife, in 

 consequence of which he was at length exposed to 

 temptations which neither his integrity nor his 

 honour was able to resist. They had withstood 

 many allurements, but were at length ensnared by 

 the fascinating charms of a basket of nails ; these 

 nails were much larger than any that had yet been 

 brought into trade, and had, with perhaps some de- 

 gree of criminal negligence, been left in a corner of 

 Mr. Banks's tent, to which the chief had always free 

 access. One of these nails Mr. Banks's servant hap- 

 pened to see in his possession, upon his having inad- 

 vertently thrown back that part of his garment un- 

 der which it w^as concealed. Mr. Banks being told 

 of this, and knowing that no such thing had been 

 given him, either as a present or in barter, imme- 

 diately examined the basket, and discovered, that out 

 of seven nails five were missing. He then, though 

 not without great reluctance, charged him with the 

 fact, which he immediately confessed, and however 

 he might suffer, was probably not more hurt than his 

 accuser. A demand was immediately m.ade of resti- 

 tution ; but this he declined, saying, that the nails 

 were at Eparre : however, Mr. Banks appearing to 

 be much in earnest, and using some threatening 

 signs, he thought fit to produce one of them. He 

 was then taken to the fort, to receive such judgment 

 as should be given against him by the general voice. 



After some deliberation, that we might not appear 

 to think too hghtly of his offence, he was told, that 

 if he would bring the other four nails to the fort, it 

 should be forgotten. To this condition he agreed ; 

 but I am sorry to say he did not fulfil it. Instead of 

 fetching the nails, he removed with his family before 

 night, and took all his furniture with him. 



As our long-boat had appeared to be leaky, I 

 thought it necessary to examine her bottom, and to 

 my great surprise found it so much eaten by the 



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