468 



HISTORY OF THE SEA. 



the spittle. During Mr. Banks's examination of the leaf and its 

 contents, he looked up with the most piteous aspect, intimating 

 that he had but a short time to live. The deadly substance 

 proved to be a quid of tobacco. Mr. Banks prescribed a plenti- 

 ful dose of cocoanut-milk, which speedily dispelled Tubourai's 

 sickness and apprehensions. 



On the 1st of May, the astronomical quadrant was taken on 

 shore for the first time and deposited in Cook's tent. The next 

 morning it was missing, and a vigorous search was instituted. It 

 had been stolen by the natives and carried seven miles into 

 the interior. Through the intervention of Tubourai it was 

 recovered and replaced in the observatory. 



Thus far the integrity of Tubourai had been proof against 

 every temptation. He had withstood the allurements of beads, 

 hatchets, colored cloth, and quadrants, but was finally led astray 

 by the fascinations of a basket of nails. The basket was known 

 to have contained seven nails of unusual length, and out of these 

 seven five were missing. One was found upon his person ; and 

 he was told that if he would bring back the other four to the 

 fort the affair should be forgotten. He promised to do so, but, 

 instead of fulfilling his promise, removed with his family to the 

 interior, taking the nails and all his furniture with him. 



The transit of Venus was observed, with perfect success, on 

 the 3d of June, by means of three telescopes of different magni- 

 fying powers, by Cook, Dr. Solander, and Mr. Green. Not a 

 cloud passed over the sky from the rising to the setting of the 

 sun. A party of natives contemplated the process in solemn 

 silence, and were made to understand that the strangers had 

 visited their island for the express purpose of witnessing the im- 

 mersion of the planet. 



The ship was to leave Tahiti on the 10th of June, and the time 

 was now spent in preparations for departure. On the evening 

 of the 9th, it was discovered that two marines, Webb and Gibson, 

 had gone ashore, and were not to be found. It was ascertained that 



