FRIENDLY ISLANDS AND NEW HEBRIDES 163 



of Malicolo, he anchored. The islanders ap- 

 proached the ship waving green branches. They 

 were of surpassing ugliness. Their bodies, black 

 as ebony, seemed deformed. Their arms and 

 legs were long and skinny, and their faces were 

 hideous, with a large flat nose, projecting cheek- 

 bones and very low forehead. What struck 

 them most when they came on board the Resolu- 

 tion were the mirrors, in which they contem- 

 plated their ugliness with the utmost delight. 



These natives showed remarkable intelligence. 

 They understood the signs and gestures of the 

 Englishmen with surprising quickness, and re- 

 peated all the words they were taught with 

 amazing accuracy. 



An incident which might have had a tragic 

 ending occurred shortly after the ship's arrival. 

 A young native who had been refused access 

 to a boat bent his bow in order to kill the sailor 

 who had charge with a poisoned arrow. Some 

 of his companions prevented him from drawing. 

 When Cook was told of what was happening, he 

 appeared on deck and threatened the native, 

 who had aimed afresh at the boat-keeper. Hear- 

 ing the Captain's voice, the native pointed his 

 arrow at him. Fortunately Cook was armed 

 with a gun loaded with small shot. He fired 

 at the native, who staggered, but once more bent 

 his bow and prepared to launch his arrow. Cook 



