{')0 COOKS VOYAGE TO FE& 



of our threats. But I rather believed them to have 

 been the sacrifices that were performing on account 

 of the war, in which they imagined themselves about 

 to be engaged ; and most probably the bodies of our 

 slain countrymen were at that time burning. We 

 afterward saw fires of the same kind, as we passed 

 the island of Morotoi ; and which, we were told by 

 some natives then on board, were made on account 

 of the war they had declared against a neighbouring 

 island. And this agrees with what we learned amongst 

 the Friendly and Society Isles, that, previous to any 

 expedition against an enemy, the chiefs always en- 

 deavoured to animate and inflame the courage of the 

 people by feasts and rejoicings in the night. 



We remained the whole night undisturbed, except 

 by the howlings and lamentations which were heard 

 on shore : and early the next morning, Koah came 

 along-side the Resolution, with a present of cloth, 

 and a small pig, which he desired leave to present to 

 me. I have mentioned before, that I was supposed 

 by the natives to be the son of Captain Cook ; and 

 as he, in his life-time, had always suffered them to 

 believe it, I was probably considered as the chief, 

 after his death. As soon as I came on deck, I 

 questioned him about the body ; and, on his return- 

 ing me nothing but evasive answers, I refused to ac- 

 cept his presents ; and was going to dismiss him, with 

 some expressions of anger and resentment, had not 

 Captain Gierke, judging it best, at all events, to keep 

 up the appearance of friendship, thought it more 

 proper that he should be treated with the usual 

 respect. 



This treacherous fellow came frequently to us 

 during the course of the forenoon, with some trifling 

 present or other ; and as I always observed him eye- 

 ing every part of the ship with great attention, I took 

 care he should see we were well prepared for our 

 defence. 



He was exceedingly urgent, both with Captain 



