278 PAUMOTU GROUP AND 



tone of their voices was altogether discordant, at one moment high and 

 shrill, and at the next sinking to a deep gruff base. In their harangues 

 they slapped their thighs with great violence, and some wrung their 

 hands and cried, protruding their eyes, and making frightful grimaces, 

 reminding one strongly of maniacs in their utmost frenzy. They were 

 not capable of fixing their attention for a moment on any one object, 

 but with fitful rapidity they changed their regards from one thing to 

 another. 



Although they at first seemed unarmed, yet, upon a close inspection 

 it was seen that they had weapons concealed in their canoes. A few 

 of them succeeded in getting on board, and several articles were pil- 

 fered from the poop-deck, among them a pea-jacket, which was 

 quickly and adroitly secreted in one of the canoes. A huge savage, 

 with his eyes apparently starting out of his head, seized the man-rope, 

 pulled the stanchion out of its place, and was in the act of passing it 

 over the side when it was rescued from him. The islanders now be- 

 came troublesome, and the order was given to clear the decks, which 

 was quickly done by the crew with their cutlasses, but none of their 

 visiters were injured. The moment they got into their canoes, large 

 pieces of coral and shells w T ere hurled on board with great force : two 

 guns were fired over their heads, but they took no notice of them, and 

 stood up in their canoes, brandishing their spears and yelling defiance. 

 As their numbers were constantly increasing, Lieutenant-Commandant 

 Ringgold thought it prudent to keep the brig under way, beat to quar- 

 ters, and made preparations to meet attack, if it should be intended. 



Three or four canoes were kept towing astern, and after many 

 ineffectual and long-continued efforts, a trade was begun for their 

 arms, necklaces, &c, which they parted with for iron, knives, cloth, 

 and other articles. The first they designated by the name of " toke," 

 and the meaning of several other of their words was ascertained. 

 These islanders did not know the use of tobacco, but would receive 

 any and every thing offered : on receiving the articles they immedi- 

 ately thrust on board the article sold, and appeared fair in dealing, 

 though they proved themselves to be expert thieves. 



Like other natives of Polynesia, they seemed a half amphibious 

 race, diving for any thing dropped overboard with great ease and 

 unconcern. They are of a light olive colour, though darker than 

 either the Samoans or Tahitians, with fine black hair. The old men 

 had beards and mustaches. They partook of the Samoan cast of 

 feature, and are an equally athletic, erect, and finely-formed race. 



Neither tattooing nor circumcision appears to be practised, but many 

 of the men were observed to have lost their front teeth. The custom, 



