e days past been very inquisitive
about the time of our departure. This circumstance had excited in me a
great curiosity to know what opinion this people had formed of us, and
what were their ideas respecting the cause and objects of our voyage.
I took some pains to satisfy myself on these points; but could never
learn any thing farther, than that they imagined we came from some
country where provisions had failed; and that our visit to them was
merely for the purpose of filling our bellies. Indeed, the meagre
appearance of some of our crew, the hearty appetites with which we sat
down to their fresh provisions, and our great anxiety to purchase,
and carry off, as much as we were able, led them, naturally enough, to
such a conclusion. To these may be added, a circumstance which puzzled
them exceedingly, our having no women with us; together with our quiet
conduct and unwarlike appearance. It was ridiculous enough to see them
stroking the sides, and patting the bellies of the sailors, (who were
certainly much improved in the sleekness of their looks during our
short stay in the island), and telling them, partly by signs, and
partly by words, that it was time for them to go; but if they would
come again the next bread-fruit season, they should be better able to
supply their wants.[2] We had now been sixteen days in the bay; and if
our enormous consumption of hogs and vegetables be considered, it need
not be wondered that they should wish to see us take our leave. It
is very probable, however, that Terreeoboo had no other view in his
enquiries at present, than a desire of making sufficient preparation
for dismissing us with presents suitable to the respect and kindness
with which he had received us. For, on our telling him we should
leave the island on the next day but one, we observed, that a sort of
proclamation was immediately made, through the villages, to require
the people to bring in their hogs and vegetables, for the king to
present to the _Orono_, on his departure.

[Footnote 2: Let the reader keep this intimation in mind, when he
comes to judge of the melancholy transactions which issued in the
death of Cook. It is most clear, that these people were disposed to
be on good terms with their visitors; but that they were equally
sensible, on the other hand, of the burden which so many half-starved
guests had imposed on their hospitality. Even this, however, it would
seem, they were willing to bear, provided only they