124 
VOYAGE TO THE 
CHAPTER VI. 
Second Interview with the Natives — Visit to the principal Village — Bodies exposed to dry — 
Areghe or Chief — Lieutenant Wainwright attacked by Natives — Advantage of the Port- 
Further Description of the Island, its Soil and Productions. 
HAP On the afternoon of the 8th, we again landed under Mount Duff, 
to try the feeling of the natives. Our party was not large, and we care- 
Jan. fully avoided every thing that might appear offensive, carrying with us a 
white flag upon a staff. One man only, at first, ventured near us, 
rubbed noses, and received several presents, with which he was highly 
delighted. His companions, who, during the interview, had been peep- 
ing from behind the trees, noticing his friendly reception, laid aside 
their weapons, came out of the wood, and saluted us in their usual 
manner, singing, as they approached, the chorus we had heard on 
board, which strengthened our opinion of its being a song of welcome. 
The next day 1 landed with a party in the bay where the principal 
village is situated, and was met at the landing-place, which was about 
half a mile from the village, by two or three men who rubbed noses, and 
seemed glad to see us. They took us by the arm and conducted us to 
the village along a narrow pathway, through long grass and loose stones, 
overshadowed by a wood of bread-fruit and cocoa-nut trees. In this dis- 
tance we passed a few patches of cultivation, but they were rare, and in- 
dicated very little attention to agriculture. The natives increased greatly 
in numbers as we advanced, and all were officious to pay us attention, 
and assist us to the village : they were armed, yet their manner showed 
it was, as with us, only a precautionary measure ; nothing in appearance 
could exceed their amicable behaviour. We had each two or more 
