go to a distance from it. The natives, however, to show their good
intentions, brought down to the beach a supply of taro and other roots
and fruits, likewise as much fresh-water as their visitors would
require. They seemed, as Mr Manners thought, rather disappointed that
no one would accompany them away from the shore. They stood by while
the provisions were being cooked, rather astonished at the proceeding;
still greater was their surprise when the natives sung a hymn and
offered up a prayer before they began to eat. What it could all mean of
course they could not tell, but they probably had an idea that it was
some sort of incantation, for they were seen to draw back for some
distance, and not till the hymn was finished did they return, when they
stood looking on as before.

Ben and Tom, with two of the English seamen, were allowed to go on shore
that they might draw the white man, if possible, into conversation, if
he could speak English. He had hitherto kept aloof from the strangers,
and even stood behind his native companions while the hymn was being
sung. When the natives had finished singing, Ben stood up and said the
short grace which his father had been accustomed to repeat before meals.
The white man, who at that time was standing a little way apart from
his companions while Ben was speaking, drew nearer to him, and seemed to
be listening attentively.

"I say, old fellow, come and have something to eat," said one of the
seamen, holding out a bit of taro at the end of his knife.

The white man looked wistfully towards the strangers; then he cast a
glance at the scowling, savage-looking natives who were watching him,
and, shaking his head, again drew farther back from them. There he sat
without speaking, and each time either Ben or Tom, or the other two
seamen, addressed him, he shook his head, as if either he did not
understand, or, at all events, did not wish to hold any communication
with them.

While the party who purposed sleeping on the shore were putting up their
huts, and collecting leaves for their beds, the natives and the white
man, as before, stood watching them, but made no offer of assistance.
The Christian visitors again sang a hymn, as the sun set and darkness
came on. Then commending themselves to the protection of Heaven, they
crept into their huts, and lay down to sleep. Ben and his shipmates,
finding that the natives and their white associate had gone away, soon
after followed