330 MALOL O. 



have been taken possession of by the natives, on learning that such 

 was the fact. When such imprudence is committed, it is not sur- 

 prising that so many ships that have gone into the Pacific, have never 

 been heard of. In many cases, doubtless, not one has been left to tell 

 the tale of the many, very many, valuable lives that have been lost 

 from over-confidence in these treacherous savages. 



This alone would point out the strong necessity of providing our 

 numerous and hardy navigators with a correct knowledge of these 

 islands, as well as those still further to the westward. 



I am happy to know that we shall enable the navigator to visit this 

 group without fear and with comparatively little danger, if he will 

 but observe a proper share of caution; and there is now open to him 

 one of the best groups in the Pacific for obtaining supplies and re- 

 freshing his men after their arduous labours. 



The time having elapsed, the king was punctual in sending off 

 such portions of the flags stolen as he had been able to recover, soli- 

 citing pardon for the offence of his people, and making an offering of 

 ten hogs and one thousand yams for the flags not returned. This 

 offering Captain Hudson received, determining before leaving to 

 repay their full value. 



Captain Egleston, in the Leonidas, having completed his cargo of 

 biche de mar at Mali, again anchored at Muthuata, and communi- 

 cated that Gingi, the chief suspected of the murder of Cunningham, 

 had told him that the old king of Muthuata had never sent after the 

 murderers as he had promised. 



An officer was at once sent on shore, with David Whippy as inter- 

 preter, to tell the king what, had been heard, and to demand the 

 murderers forthwith. The king, on his part, made many asseverations 

 that he had uttered no lies, and had not deceived us, but had made 

 every attempt to take the murderers; that his people were now in the 

 bush, and that when they returned he would call a meeting, and let 

 Captain Hudson know in the morning. 



The Porpoise joined the squadron from Ovolau, on the 7th of 

 August. 



As nothing was heard from the king, Lieutenant Walker was des- 

 patched on shore, with the interpreter, to ascertain the cause. The 

 king replied, that he was afraid, for the people of the town of Naven- 

 darra, where the murder had taken place, had sent him word, " That 

 if he interfered, they would come and burn him out." This proved 



