177 ( J' THE PACIFIC OCEAN. 25 



might be considered by them as a piece of shocking 

 impiety. In this, however, I found myself mistaken. 

 Not the smallest surprize was expressed at the ap- 

 plication, and the wood was readily given, even with- 

 out stipulating for any thing in return. Whilst the 

 sailors were taking it away, I observed one of them 

 carrying off a carved image; and, on further inquiry, 

 I found that they had conveyed to the boats the 

 whole * semicircle. Though this was done in the 

 presence of the natives, who had not shown any mark 

 of resentment at it, but had even assisted them in the 

 removal, I thought it proper to speak to Kaoo on 

 the subject; who appeared very indifferent about the 

 matter, and only desired that we would restore the 

 centre image I have mentioned before, which he 

 carried into one of the priest's houses. 



Terreeoboo, and his chiefs, had, for some days 

 past, been very inquisitive about the time of our de- 

 parture. This circumstance had excited in me a 

 great curiosity to know what opinion this people had 

 formed of us, and what were their ideas respecting 

 the cause and objects of our voyage. I took some 

 pains to satisfy myself on these points; but could never 

 learn any thing farther, than that they imagined we 

 came from some country where provisions had failed; 

 and that our visit, to them was merely for the purpose 

 of rilling our bellies. Indeed, the meagre appearance 

 of some of our crew, the hearty appetites with which 

 we sat down to their fresh provisions, and our great 

 anxiety to purchase and carry off as much as we 

 were able, led them, naturally enough, to such a con- 

 clusion. To these may be added, a circumstance 

 which puzzled them exceedingly, our having no wo- 

 men with us; together with our quiet conduct, and 

 unwarlike appearance. It was ridiculous enough to 

 see them stroking the sides, and patting the bellies of 

 the sailors (who were certainly much improved in the 



* See description of the Moral, in the preceding Chapter. 



