90 CAPTAIN COOK'S VOYAGES 



beach, escorted by more than a hundred persons, some of 

 whom had lances in their hands, and the rest were armed 

 with muskets. When the Doctor arrived at the marketing 

 place, he informed the Captain that Lange had interpreted 

 to him a message from the raja, the substance of which was, 

 that the natives were averse to all traffic with the English, 

 because they would not give above half the real worth of 

 the things which were offered for sale ; and that all trading 

 whatever should be prohibited after that day. 



The English gentlemen had no doubt but that the sup- 

 posed order of the raja was a contrivance of Lange and his 

 confederates, in the way of extortion ; and while they were 

 debating how they should act in this critical conjuncture, 

 one of Lange' s adherents began to drive away such of the 

 natives as had brought palm-syrup and fowls to sell, and 

 others who were now bringing sheep and buffaloes to the 

 market. 



Just at this juncture Captain Cook happening to look at 

 the old man, who had been distinguished by the name 

 of prime minister, imagined that he saw in his features a 

 disapprobation of the present proceedings ; and willing to 

 improve the advantage, he grasped the Indian's hand, and 

 gave him an old broadsword. This well-timed present 

 produced all the good effects that could be wished ; the 

 prime minister was enraptured at so honourable a mark of 

 distinction, and exerted himself with such success, that the 

 whole business was now speedily accomplished. The 

 natives, eager to supply whatever was wanted, brought 

 their cattle in for sale, and the market was soon stocked. 

 For the first two buffaloes Captain Cook gave ten guineas ; 

 but he afterwards purchased them by way of exchange, 

 giving a musket for each ; and at this rate he might have 

 bought any number he thought proper. There seems to be 

 no doubt but that Lange had a profit out of the first two 

 that were sold, and that his reason for having said that the 

 natives would take nothing but gold for their cattle, was, 

 that he might the more easily share in the produce. 



Having at length obtained these necessary refreshments, 

 Captain Cook prepared for sailing from this place. 



This island is called Savu ; it is situated in 10 35' south 

 latitude, and 237 30' west longitude, and has hitherto been 

 very little known, or very imperfectly described. Its length 

 is between twenty and thirty miles ; but its breadth could 

 not be ascertained. At the time the Endeavour lay there it 

 was near the end of the dry season, when it had not rained 

 for almost seven months, nor was there a running stream 

 of fresh water to be seen, and the natives were supplied 

 only by small springs, situated at a distance up the country. 



