AND MIDSHIPMAN HENRY. 157 



transport it across the isthmus, which was impassable for 

 boats, except at high-water. While trying to think of some 

 way of removing this difficulty, a man, who called himself the 

 orator of the town, arrived, and delivered an invitation from 

 his chief to go to Malolo-levu, and take off a present that had 

 been prepared for them on the beach. This story of Fejee 

 manufacture, was little credited, but as there was reason to 

 believe that provisions might be purchased from some of the 

 natives, and the case was urgent, Mr. Underwood, whose 

 boat drew the least water, volunteered to make the attempt. 

 Accordingly, in a few minutes he shoved off; but after pulling 

 a short distance, observing that he had no one with him who 

 could talk with the natives, he returned and asked for a New 

 Zealander, named John Sack. Having taken this man, he 

 again shoved off and pulled for the beach. Mr. Alden fol- 

 lowed as soon as the tide permitted, and Mr. Emmons, after 

 taking a round of angles. Lieutenant Alden lost no time, 

 after anchoring off the town, in getting a chief in his boat as a 

 hostage for Mr. Underwood's safety. This native early at- 

 tempted to escape in a canoe, but Mr. Alden forced him back 

 into the boat, and threatened to shoot him if he did so again. 

 In the meantime Mr. Underwood continued to barter with the 

 natives, and sent off a message to Mr. Alden for muskets and 

 powder, which could not be supplied. Mr. Henry now re- 

 quested permission to land, and during his absence Mr. Em- 

 mons arrived. A second message soon afterwards came from 

 Mr. Underwood, requiring another hatchet to effect his pur- 

 chase. Lieutenant Alden sent the hatchet, with directions to 

 Mr. U., that as the natives did not appear to be willing to 

 trade, he should lose no time in coming off in his boat. At 

 this moment the hostage jumped overboard, and made for the 

 shore in a diagonal line to avoid being shot at. Mr. Alden 



