04 



A VlfilT TO THE INDIAN ARCHIPELAGO. 



On the 23rd, the currents being very uncertain, we 

 tovmd ourselves among a cluster of islands which the 

 charts did not enable us to identify. As we were 

 gi^oping about eeas very imperfectly surveyed, this neither 

 astonished nor alarmed us ; and, while a sandy beach 

 offered itself for the seine, and a jungle for the gun, — 

 Cbristmas, too, being at hand,— wo selected an ehgible 

 spot, and came to an anchor. 



On Christniaa Day, after the usual routine of muster 

 and church, the ship's company were allowed to land, 

 taking with them their dinners and small arms, and seek 

 amusement in their own way. They appeared to enjoy 

 themselves a groat deal more than they could have done 

 if kept on board, eveu with a double allowance of grog. 

 Although upwards of a hundred men had landed, none of 

 tfjem fell in with a native ; nevertheless, natives could not 

 be far off, inasmuch as poultry were found nmning about, 

 besides other marks of domestic life and doings. Later, 

 however, in the evening, when our people were returning 

 on boai'd, I myself landed with Mi-. Lonsdale; and, having 

 strolled to the opposite side of the island, we suddeidy 

 came upon a long cfinoe filled with natives, armed to the 

 teeth* with spears and krises. They were stealthily 

 pushing through a narrow creek that was ovei huiig and 

 partiaHy hid by bushes. Our astonishment was, however, 

 mutual. After a while, seeing probably that we were 

 only two, they made signs for us to approach : but 

 not liking the looks of them, although each liad a 



