CHAPTER IV 



ANNAMOOKA, HAAPAI, AND TONGATABU 



The season was by now too far advanced for 

 Cook to think of undertaking this year the ex- 

 ploration of the western coast of North America 

 in the search for a passage between the two 

 oceans. He therefore resolved not to hurry his 

 departure from the Friendly Islands, where he 

 was certain to receive a warm welcome and to 

 find abundance of the most varied food. He 

 proposed, moreover, to undertake a detailed 

 survey of this extraordinary archipelago, which 

 included not less than a hundred and fifty-three 

 islands. 



The two ships were scarcely anchored at 

 Annamooka before barter began, marked, as 

 during the former voyage, by the most perfect 

 friendliness. 



When Cook had landed, he was the object of 

 the most lively tokens of friendship on the part 

 of Toobou, chief of Annamooka, and of Taipa, 

 chief of the neighbouring island of Komango. 

 The latter had formed an incredible affection for 

 the English Captain, which evinced itself in an 

 almost embarrassing attachment. He refused to 



