TYE AND SUALIB. 253 
groves, which was utterly impassable. I lay down upon the sand, 
determined to await here until some surveying boat might chance to 
pass; this was but a poor alternative, as I was not aware the island 
was to be surveyed in this manner, nor was it so surveyed. I had 
heard that it was inhabited, and of course could have little hope of 
kindness from a Feejee native. I pushed on a short distance, and lay 
down quite worn out. I had had no food or drink for eight or nine 
hours, and had been incessantly upon the move in a very hot day; the 
muscles of my legs were cramped and painful, and 1 could go no 
farther. I committed myself to fortune. I had lain a few moments 
only when I heard voices behind me, and looking around saw two 
huge natives, both well armed and running to the spot where I was 
lying; one was entirely naked, and the other wore a maro only. I 
was totally unarmed, and rising, offered my hand to the foremost one, 
at the same time giving them the native greeting. I was rejoiced to 
see that one of them was a Tongese. They shook hands with me in 
the most friendly manner, at the same time expressing and inquiring 
where I came from, who I was, and how I got there. I told them, as 
well as I could, that I was a ‘Turanga Papalangi,’ belonging to a 
‘ huanga-levu,’ lying in the bay, and had lost my way; at the same 
time requesting them to guide me back to her, and provide me with 
water to quench my thirst. After a little parley, during which they 
were joined by two other Feejee men, they despatched one after 
cocoa-nuts, and began to examine my clothes and body, showing 
great curiosity, but being very respectful and good-natured. The nuts 
were soon brought, and, refreshed by the delicious draught, I set off to 
follow my guides, not without great distrust. But a short distance 
was sufficient to deprive me of all strength, and I could drag myself 
no farther; after a consultation, one of them took me upon his back 
and carried me through the mangroves, another proceeding with a 
hatchet, to cut a path. At last I was brought safely to the spot where 
I had landed from the brig; guns from the brig, fired for me, served 
to guide my leaders. A boat was immediately sent for me, and I was 
taken on board, worn out with fatigue, but full of joy and gratitude for 
my safe return.” 
These men accompanied Dr. Holmes on board, and were liberally 
rewarded for their kindness, with hatchets, cloth, paint, fish-hooks, &c. 
The inhabitants of this island amount to about thirty; they reckon 
ten Feejee men and five Tongese, with their families. They have an 
abundance of provisions, consisting of pigs, fowls, (which are said to 
be wild in the woods,) yams, taro, and cocoa-nuts. A few women 
were seen, but they were kept at a distance. 
Ww 
