FIRST VOYAGE 89 



provisions, she should be supplied ; but that he was not to 

 permit her to remain longer than was absolutely necessary. 

 That no presents were to be made to the natives of low 

 rank ; but, he added, that any trifling civilities received 

 from the Indians, might be acknowledged by a present of 

 beads, or any other articles of small value. It is a very 

 probable conjecture that the whole of this story was of Mr. 

 Lange's own manufacture, and solely calculated to draw 

 all the presents of any value into his own pocket. 



Soon after this the Captain was informed that some sheep 

 had been driven down to the beach ; but had been conveyed 

 away before the men could get money from the ship to pay 

 for them, and that not a single hog or buffalo had been 

 produced. Heartily vexed to be thus disappointed of the 

 chief articles which were wanted, the Captain remonstrated 

 with Mr. Lange, who told him, that if he and his officers 

 had gone to the spot, they might have purchased anything 

 they pleased ; but that the Indians imagined the seamen 

 would impose upon them with counterfeit money. 



This story was no more credited than the former ; but 

 not to lose more time, in a case of such urgency, the Captain 

 instantly repaired to the beach, but there were no cattle to 

 be bought. During his absence, Lange informed Mr. Banks 

 that the Indians were offended that the seamen had not 

 offered gold for what they had to sell, and that no other 

 metal would purchase their commodities ; but Mr. Banks, 

 disdaining to hold farther conversation with a man who had 

 been guilty of such repeated subterfuges, left him 

 abruptly. 



On the 20th, Captain Cook and Dr. Solander went again 

 on shore, and while the latter proceeded to the town in 

 search of Lange, the Captain staid on the beach, with a view 

 to buy cattle. At this place was an old man, who had 

 been distinguished by the name of prime minister, because 

 he appeared to be invested with considerable authority ; 

 and the Captain now presented him with a spying-glass, 

 in order to make a friend of him. At present there was 

 nothing brought for sale but a small buffalo, for which five 

 guineas were demanded. Though the Captain knew that 

 this was double its value, yet he bid three guineas, as he was 

 willing to begin dealing at any rate. The person who had 

 it to sell, said he could not take the money till the raja 

 had been informed what was offered ; on which a man was 

 sent to him, who soon came back with a message, that five 

 guineas would be the lowest price : this the Captain refused 

 to give ; on which a second messenger was despatched, who, 

 staying a long time, Captain Cook was anxiously expecting 

 his return, when he saw Dr. Solander coming towards the 



