VOYAGE TO EIMEO. 
149 
expressed it, upon the tops of the waves, until at 
length we heard, amid the stillness of the night, 
the welcome sound of the long heavy surf, rolling 
in solemn grandeur, and dashing in loud, though 
distant roar, upon the coral reefs. This, though 
adapted to inspire apprehension and terror in the 
minds of those unaccustomed to navigate among 
the islands, was a gladdening sound to us, as it 
indicated our approach to land. We were several 
miles distant when we first heard the roaring of 
the surf; but, proceeding with rapidity, we soon 
came in sight of it. Sailing in a line parallel 
with the reef till we came to an opening, we 
entered Taloo or Opunohu harbour, and landed 
near the Missionary settlement shortly after mid¬ 
night, having sailed a distance of about one hun¬ 
dred miles in the space of twenty hours. 
The natives seldom evince much concern about 
their accommodations, when voyaging or travelling. 
Frequently, when landing for the night, they kindle 
a fire on the sea-beach, and, having cooked their 
bread-fruit or other provision, which they usually 
carry with them, lie down in the boat, or on the 
sand by its side, and, spreading the sails as a 
tent, or wrapping themselves in them, substitute 
them for bed and bedding, and sleep comfortably 
till the morning. Most of those, however, who 
were my fellow-voyagers on this occasion, had 
formerly resided at this settlement, on terms of 
friendship with many of the inhabitants. To the 
dwellings of these they repaired, while I pursued 
my way up the valley to the residence of my friend 
Mr. Platt, whom I awoke from his midnight re¬ 
pose, and, after receiving from him a kind wel¬ 
come and some refreshment, I retired to rest til! 
sunrise. 
