he must not
be too sanguine, as it was very like looking for a pearl in a bed of
oysters, though there were great numbers of white men scattered about
among the islands, and even living among the most savage natives. He
promised, however, to make inquiries, and to help on his object as far
as he had the power.

The boats had to coast along for some time before an entrance through
the reef could be found. The sea dashed against the reef, and, curling
over, fell back in a shower of spray. A boat striking it would have
been instantly overwhelmed or dashed to pieces. The passage between the
two walls of water which thus rose up on either side of the entrance was
very narrow. It seemed indeed that the boats could not pass through
without the oars touching the rocks. Mr Charlton, however, considered
that the passage was practicable, so also did Tatai. Mr Charlton led,
and as his boat was cautiously feeling its way, a smooth roller
majestically approached the shore. "Give way, lads," he cried. The
boat glided on, the water broke with a thundering roar on the reef; but
the boat, like an arrow, had shot through and was floating safely within
the reef. The other boat immediately followed.

The natives from the shore had been watching these proceedings, and now
gathered in considerable numbers on the beach. They were all armed with
spears, and showed an evident dislike to holding intercourse with the
white people. They nourished their spears, pointed them towards the
boats, and made significant gestures for the intruders to depart.
Still, as it was important to speak to the poor savages, Mr Charlton
pulled towards a ledge of rocks which ran out from the shore, and with a
basket full of presents, landed, accompanied by Tatai. The people ran
towards him, threatening with their spears as before. He advanced as if
to meet them, put down the presents, and then retreated. An old man,
who wore a short petticoat of leaves fastened round his waist, and a
pandanus leaf hung from his neck as a sign that he was a chief, was in
front. He stopped, picked up the handkerchiefs, knives, and trinkets
which formed the offering made to him, and, having handed them to his
followers, rushed on, gesticulating furiously, towards the English
officer. Tatai shouted out that the visitors came as friends, but the
only reply he got was, "Go away, go away! we do not want you," spoken in
the native tongue.

This was not encouraging. Mr Cha