1774'. ROUND THE WORLD. 27 



their reception. While I was thus making friends 

 with those in the cabin, an accident happened that 

 threw all into confusion, but in the end, I believe, 

 proved advantageous to us. A fellow in a canoe 

 having been refused admittance into one of our boats 

 that lay along-side, bent his bow to shoot a poisoned 

 arrow at the boat-keeper. Some of his countrymen 

 prevented his doing it that instant, and gave time to 

 acquaint me with it. I ran instantly on deck, and 

 saw another man struggling with him ; one of those 

 who had been in the cabin, and had leapt out of the 

 window for this purpose. The other seemed resolved, 

 shook him off; and directed his bow again to the boat- 

 keeper ; but on my calling to him, pointed it at 

 me. Having a musket in my hand, loaded with 

 small shot, I gave him the contents. This staggered 

 him for a moment, but did not prevent him from 

 holding his bow still in the attitude of shooting. 

 Another discharge of the same nature made him 

 drop it, and the others, who were in the canoe, to 

 paddle off with all speed. At this time, some be- 

 gan to shoot arrows on the other side. A musket 

 discharged in the air had no effect ; but a four-pound 

 shot over their heads sent them. off in the utmost 

 confusion. Many quitted their canoes and swam on 

 shore : those in the great cabin leaped out of the 

 windows ; and those who were on the deck, and 

 on different parts of the rigging, all leaped over- 

 board. After this we took no farther notice of them, 

 but suffered them to come off and pick up their 

 canoes ; and some even ventured again along-side 

 the ship. Immediately after the great gun was fired, 

 we heard the beating of drums on shore ; which was, 

 probably, the signal for the country to assemble in 

 arms. We now got every thing in readines to land, 

 to cut some wood, of which we were in want, and 

 to try to get some refreshments, nothing of this kind 

 having been seen in any of the canoes. 



About nine o'clock, we put off in two boats, and 



