174 
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
sometimes remark, a We believe it because you say 
so, but we cannot understand it.” These obser¬ 
vations were made only when the subject was first 
brought under their notice. The intelligent among 
them now entertain more consistent views. 
Among the Hervey Islands, they worshipped a 
god of thunder; but he does not appear to have 
been an object of great terror to any of them. The 
thunder was supposed to be produced by the clap¬ 
ping of his wings. The ignis fatuus they considered 
as one of their most powerful gods, proceeding, in 
his tutelary visitations, from one marae to another. 
But it is now high time to return from this ap¬ 
parently long digression, which, though somewhat 
diffuse, has an immediate bearing on the astrono¬ 
mical knowledge and the nautical acquirements of 
these islanders, and bring our voyage to its ter¬ 
mination. 
The wind being light but fair through the night, 
and the sea pleasantly smooth, we kept on our 
course till the dawn of morning began to appear, and 
when the day broke, had the satisfaction of behold¬ 
ing the island of Huahine at no very great distance, 
and immediately before us. We approached on 
the eastern side, but the wind being unfavourable 
for sailing to the settlement, we stood towards the 
shore. When we found ourselves within half a mile 
of the reef, we lowered our sails, and, manning the 
oars, rowed round the northern point of the island. 
By eight o’clock, on the 5th of May, we entered 
Fare harbour, and, on our landing, had the happi¬ 
ness to find our families and friends well. It was 
the Sabbath, and we repaired with gratitude to the 
house of God, to render our acknowledgments for 
preservation. 
