MBUA BAY AND MUTHUATA. 



239 



circumstance claimed a good deal of our attention, as will subse- 

 quently appear. 



On the afternoon of the 19th, the Peacock anchored off the town 

 of Muthuata. The land on this part of the coast rises abruptly from 

 the water in volcanic peaks, to the height of two thousand feet and 

 upwards. 



Captain Hudson immediately despatched Lieutenant Budd, with 

 an interpreter, to visit the king, and invite him and his chiefs to 

 come on board the next day. Lieutenant Budd found the people 

 much alarmed : the women and children had all been sent out of 

 the town, and every thing packed up for removing. The king, how- 

 ever, consented to come on board, the next morning. The ship was 

 prepared for the visit, the quarter-deck being dressed with flags, and 

 every thing ready for his reception. At noon the king sent off word 

 that he was sick, the spirit had struck him, and that he was afraid 

 to come on board ; but that if Captain Hudson would send an officer 

 to remain on shore as a hostage, while he visited the ship, he would 

 come. Immediately Passed Midshipman Reynolds and Midshipman 

 Hudson (the captain's son) were sent on shore; notwithstanding 

 which, the old king was not inclined to venture. One only of the 

 principal, with a few of the inferior chiefs, visited the ship : they all 



