MBUA BAY AND MUTHUATA. 229 
tage was intended to be taken of so many being in our power. Ko- 
Mbiti is a very good-looking, well-made man, but appeared near-sighted. 
He had a large retinue with him. It was amusing to see the effect 
produced on him by placing a pair of concave spectacles on his nose, 
and his wonder and astonishment at the change they produced in his 
sight. 
The chiefs stayed several hours on board, visited every part of the 
ship, partook of refreshments, and received presents, every thing being 
done on the part of Captain Hudson to give confidence, produce good- 
will, and create a good understanding. 
It was known that the chief Gingi was in town to-day, but as there 
was no positive evidence of his having been concerned in the murder, 
it was deemed more prudent to make no attempt for his capture, par- 
ticularly as it would at once destroy the prospect of the good under- 
standing which was being brought about, and which was necessary 
for the prosecution of our duties, as well as for the safety of future’ 
visiters. — 
The invitation to visit the ship being extended to the royal ladies, 
the queen, her daughter (the betrothed wife of old Tanoa of Ambau), 
and three lesser wives, with two of the king’s sons, came on board, on 
the 23d. When her majesty arrived on board, she presented Captain 
Hudson with a black pig. These ladies were so much pleased with 
the attention shown them, that they remained six hours. ‘They ate, 
drank whiskey and water, and smoked cigars, of which they are ex- 
tremely fond, looked all over the ship, examining the prints, drawings 
of birds, &c., and seemed delighted. 
There was a circumstance that occurred during this visit that will 
serve to show the Feejee artfulness in a strong light. While they 
were engaged in looking at the engravings in the cabin, the queen 
spoke in rather an authoritative tone to the rest, when they all, from 
seeming inattention, became very attentive, and showed marks of plea- 
sure. Captain Hudson, thinking that they had seen something that par- 
ticularly delighted them, was desirous of knowing what was the cause ; 
but not observing any thing that could account for this burst of enthu- 
siasm, he inquired of the interpreter what the queen had said, who told 
him she had remarked to them, ‘“ Why don’t you seem pleased! why 
don’t you laugh !” 
Captain Hudson having effected a friendly understanding with the 
king, went on shore on the 24th, with as many of his officers as could 
be spared from duty, to hold an audience with the king and his chiefs, 
at which the rules and regulations were adopted by them, after being 
fully explained. He then made a demand for the murderers of Cun- 
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