226 
SURVEY OF THE 1NTERTROPICAL 
_ of the land of the south-east corner of the port, 
il, but in half an hour re-appeared behind the point 
which was about fifty yards off. As soon as they 
found themselves perceived, they uttered some un- 
intelligible words, and made signs of friendship 
by patting their breasts ; upon which Mr. Roe 
went in the jolly-boat, and endeavoured to 
bring them alongside, by keeping their canoe 
close to his boat, and gently pulling towards 
the vessel; but, upon their evincing symptoms 
of fear as they drew nigh, he released them, 
and beckoned them to follow, which they did for 
some few seconds ; but then gradually edging off 
increased their distance from us ; after this Mr. 
Roe came on board, and by our entirely disregard- 
ing their presence, and paying no attention to their 
movements, the natives assumed confidence, an 
landed to examine the place where our boat had 
been constructed, which they did with great mi- 
nuteness ; upon this, some biscuits were thrown to 
them from the vessel, which they picked up an 
pretended to eat. Finding that we were not in- 
clined to take any further notice of them, they 
soon afterwards re-embarked, and, paddling over 
to the opposite shore, disappeared round the sandy 
point. 
Early the next morning we succeeded in getting 
out of the port, but not without difficulty, on ac- 
