PACIFIC AND BEERING’S STRAIT. 
207 
islanders went on board with the ostensible purpose of taking leave, but CHAP, 
suddenly possessed themselves of the vessel, overpowering the master 
and crew, binding their hands, and sending them on shore as prisoners. March, 
A general plunder of the vessel ensued, in which every thing moveable 
i^as carried away. The natives, after this atrocious act, went to church 
to return thanks for their victory, and to render their prayers more 
acceptable, transferred the bell of the ship to their place of worship. 
During several days they detained the master bound hand and foot, 
and debated whether he should not be put to death and eaten ; a fate 
i''hich we were informed he would in all probability have encountered 
but for the interference of one of their chiefs, for the Tiokeans are still 
reputed to be cannibals, notwithstanding they have embraced the Chris- 
tian religion. The crew, more fortunate than their commander, very 
Soon obtained their release, upon condition of fitting the brig for 
sea, the natives imagining they could navigate her themselves. The 
Vessel being ready, the master, under some pretext, obtained permission 
to go on board, and having speedily established an understanding with 
bis crew, he cut the cables and carried her to sea. 
The stolen property was of course never recovered, and the vessel 
^as so plundered of her stores that the object of her voyage was lost. 
When she reached Otaheite the master stated the case to the consul, 
'vhose representation of the outrage to the queen was, as has already 
been said, treated with derision. The consul availed himself of the 
present occasion to obtain restitution of the stolen property, or remune- 
J'ation for the owners, and a repeal of the objectionable order, the 
Execution of which it is evident could not be safely confided to a bar- 
barous people, at all times too prone to appropriate to themselves 
^rhatever might fall within' their reach. Her majesty was exceedingly 
Unwilling to abandon this source of revenue, and strenuously urged her 
indubitable right to levy taxes within her own dominions, maintaining 
ber arguments with considerable shrewdness, and appealing finally to 
^be chiefs. Finding them, however, disposed to accede to the demands 
nf the consul, she burst into tears ; but at length consented, by their 
iidvice, to send a circular to the Pamoutas, or Low Islands, directing 
'^bat no molestation should be oflPered to any vessels trading in shells, or 
