128 CAPTAIN COOK 



sented him to the King and introduced him in 

 society. He became the man of the day. He 

 became acclimatised and adapted himself with- 

 out difficulty to his new surroundings. He even 

 learnt to play chess. 



Cook went on to the island of Ulietea, where 

 he renewed the acquaintance of Oreo, one of the 

 chiefs who had welcomed him so warmly four 

 years before. Oreo introduced the Captain to 

 Oo-ooroo, the king of the island, who went on 

 board the Resolution, accompanied by several 

 of his wives. One of these was of remarkable 

 beauty, and made a great impression on young 

 Forster. He writes in his Journal, speaking of 

 the charms of the Indian lady, "Her hair, which 

 fortunately was not cut, formed the prettiest 

 curls which a painter's imagination has ever 

 produced. Her eyes were full of life and ex- 

 pression, and a cheerful smile embellished her 

 face." Hodges, the painter of the expedition, 

 tried to paint the portrait of this beautiful 

 islander, but she was so restless that he had very 

 great difficulty. 



Oreo and the king of Ulietea displayed sev- 

 eral performances and dances to the English- 

 man, and made them numerous presents. After 

 a short but delightful stay at the island, where 

 several pigs were taken on board, Cook set sail 

 on September 17th and steered westward. 



