A VOYAGE TO 
1779- image, I have mentioned before, which he carried into one 
of the prieft’s hordes. 
Terreeoboo, and his Chiefs, had for fome days pad:, been 
very inquifitive about the time of our departure. This cir- 
cumbance had excited in me a great curiofity to know, what 
opinion this people had formed of us, and what were their 
ideas refpe£ling the caufe and objects of our voyage. I took 
fome pains to fatisfy myfelf on thefe points;, but could 
never learn any thing farther, than that they imagined we 
came from fome country where provifions had failed; and 
that our vifit to them was merely for the purpofe of filling 
our bellies. Indeed, the meagre appearance of fome of our 
crew, the hearty appetites with which we fat down to their 
frefh provilions, and our great anxiety to purchafe, and carry 
off, as much as we were able, led them, naturally enough,, 
to fuch a conclufion. To thefe may be added, a circum- 
bance which puzzled them exceedingly, our having no wo¬ 
men with us; together with our quiet conduct, and unwar¬ 
like appearance. It was ridiculous enough to fee them 
broking the fides, and patting the bellies of the bailors 
(who were certainly much improved in the fleeknefs of 
their looks, during our fhort bay in the illand), and telling 
them, partly by figns, and partly by words, that it was time 
for them to go; but if they would come again the next 
bread-fruit feafon, they biould be better able to fupply their 
wants. We had now been bxteen days in the bay ; and if 
our enormous confumption of hogs and vegetables be con- 
bdered, it need not be wondered, that they biould wibi to 
fee us take our leave. It is very probable,, however, that 
Terreeoboo had no other view, in his inquiries, at prefent, 
than a defire of making fufficient preparation for diimiffing; 
us 
