1774. ROUND THE WORLD. 6j 



double the height of that on which the volcano is, 

 and close to it. To these remarks I must add, that, 

 in wet or moist weather, the volcano was most violent. 

 There seems to be room for some philosophical 

 reasoning on these phaenomena of nature ; but not 

 having any talent that way, I must content myself 

 with stating facts as I found them, and leave the 

 causes to men of more abilities. 



The tiller was now finished ; but as the wind was 

 unfavourable for sailing, the guard was sent on shore 

 on the 19th, as before, and a party of men to cut up 

 and bring off the remainder of the tree from which 

 we had got the tiller. Having nothing else to do, 

 I went on shore with them, and finding a good num- 

 ber of the natives collected about the landing-place 

 as usual, I distributed among them all the articles I 

 had with me, and then went on board for more. In 

 less than an hour I returned, just as our people were 

 getting some large logs into the boat. At the same 

 time four or five of the natives stepped forward to see 

 what we were about, and as we did not allow them to 

 come within certain limits, unless to pass along the 

 beech, the sentry ordered them back, which they 

 readily complied with. At this time, having my 

 eyes fixed on them, I observed the sentry present his 

 piece (as I thought at these men), and was just going 

 to reprove him for it, because I had observed that, 

 whenever this was done, some of the natives would 

 hold up their arms, to let us see they were equally 

 ready. But I was astonished beyond measure when 

 the sentry fired, for 1 saw not the least cause. At 

 this outrage most of the people fled : it was only a 

 few 1 could prevail on to remain. As they ran off; 

 I observed one man to fall ; and he was immediately 

 lifted up by two others who took him into the water, 

 washed his wound, and then led him off. Presently 

 after, some came and described to me the nature of 

 his wound ; and, as I found he was not carried far, 

 I sent for the surgeon. As soon as he arrived, I 



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