FRIENDLY ISLANDS AND NEW HEBRIDES 165 



was very dangerous in these waters, sown with 

 reefs and the ship proceeded very slowly. 



Nearly all the officers on board suddenly be- 

 came seized with terrible pains which kept them 

 in their bunks. The doctor diagnosed this as 

 poisoning, and he was not mistaken. On the eve 

 of the departure from Malicolo, two reddish 

 fish, looking like big bream, had been caught on 

 a line and served to the officers. For ten days 

 those who had partaken of these fish were racked 

 with pain and fever. Fortunately their lives 

 were saved. 



On August 4th Cook landed on the island of 

 Erromango, where the natives, who seemed of a 

 different race from those of Malicolo, showed 

 themselves hostile and deceitful. Having made 

 signs of friendship, they assailed the Englishmen 

 with a hail of stones, lances, arrows and spears. 

 Cook was compelled to retaliate, and ordered 

 his men to fire. Two natives were killed and 

 several injured. 



Without making a stay in this savage place, 

 Cook set sail for the neighbouring island, where 

 he remained several days. This island, called 

 Tanna by the inhabitants, was more hospitable 

 than the rest. After an unpleasant first attempt, 

 the relations between the Englishmen and the 

 natives became more cordial. In spite of this, 

 barter was only carried out with difficulty, as 



