208 
SOUTH SEA 
there by the hands of some fair freebooter ; for, no sooner 
had I secured the floral prizes, than I found myself freely 
sprinkled with the rosy perfume. I looked up imme- 
diately, but the being or beings had vanished who had 
emptied the phial of their gaiety upon me, but I heard 
sundry 6C still small voices 55 enjoying the delightful mis- 
chief with amazing satisfaction. 
The following incident I hope may serve to show how 
cautious it is necessary for every person to be who is in 
the habit of visiting strange countries, so that they may 
not rely with a blind confidence at any time upon persons 
of whose manners and circumstances they may know but 
little. 
Having been induced to accompany a Captain Chase 
to the town one day, on the promise that he would return 
with me to the port the same evening, we spent the day 
agreeably; but, when the evening arrived, I received a 
note from the captain, stating that it would be impos- 
sible for him to return to the port until the following 
morning, as business of a peculiar nature had interrupted 
his determination. I, therefore, who had determined to 
return at the time I intended in the morning when I set 
out, took measures accordingly, even against the advice 
of several English residents of the place ; for I had 
urgent business at the ship, and I felt myself compelled 
to go ; but it was near sunset before I mounted my mule 
for the purpose. I had not gone far before the dark- 
ness became intense, and I in some way or other unfor- 
tunately mistook my road, and after wandering to and 
fro for upwards of two hours, I found myself involved in 
