1845.] CIRCUMNAVIGATE THE ISLAND. 335 



up his garments and fled, possibly accustomed to this 

 mode of castigation. 



Taking leave of the Chiefs, we returned to the ' Sama- 

 rang ', and on the day following commenced our tour of 

 the island, the ship accompanying us within short signal 

 distances, and anchoring at night. During our progress 

 we were very strictly escorted by the military guards, 

 which maintained a respectable distance inland, probably 

 to preserve order, and prevent our free communication 

 with the natives ; wherever we reached their batteries 

 or military stations, there was a great display of banners, 

 spears, &c., but no communication. 



The several districts of the island appeared to be 

 under the control of independent chiefs, or magistrates, 

 and according to their disposition did we find our opera- 

 tions facilitated or retarded. About the third day of our 

 progress, it was found convenient to sleep in the boats, 

 in a very well sheltered and retired little bay, about one 

 quarter of a mile from one of their towns. The chief 

 personage, a young man about five-and-twenty, and of 

 very prepossessing manners, came down to visit me at 

 the station, examined the instruments, and issued very 

 decided orders in our favour. When he understood that 

 it was my intention to sleep in the boat, he endeavoured 

 to persuade me to accept the use of his house, and to 

 render me the more independent, offered to vacate it, and 

 allow my own people to guard it. Aware of the general 

 craftiness of these people, and suspecting that they 

 would be glad to make one of us a prisoner, I still felt 

 so much confidence in the genuine feeling of this chief, 



