ain Cook,
not willing to abandon the object for which he had come on shore,
continuing to urge him, in the most pressing manner, to proceed;
whilst, on the other hand, whenever the king appeared inclined to
follow him, the chiefs, who stood round him, interposed, at first
with prayers and entreaties, but afterward had recourse to force and
violence, and insisted on his staying where he was. Captain Cook,
therefore, finding that the alarm had spread too generally, and
that it was in vain to think any longer of getting him off without
bloodshed, at last gave up the point; observing to Mr Phillips, that
it would be impossible to compel him to go on board, without the risk
of killing a great number of the inhabitants.

Though the enterprise, which had carried Captain Cook on shore, had
now failed, and was abandoned, yet his person did not appear to have
been in the least danger, till an accident happened which gave a fatal
turn to the affair. The boats, which had been stationed across the
bay, having fired at some canoes that were attempting to get out,
unfortunately had killed a chief of the first rank. The news of his
death arrived at the village where Captain Cook was, just as he had
left the king, and was walking slowly toward the shore. The ferment
it occasioned was very conspicuous; the women and children were
immediately sent off; and the men put on their war-mats, and armed
themselves with spears and stones. One of the natives, having in his
hands a stone, and a long iron pike, (which they call a _pahooa_,)
came up to the captain, flourishing his weapon, by way of defiance,
and threatening to throw the stone. The captain desired him to desist;
but the man persisting in his insolence, he was at length provoked to
fire a load of small shot. The man having his mat on, which the shot
were not able to penetrate, this had no other effect than to irritate
and encourage them. Several stones were thrown at the marines; and one
of the _Erees_ attempted to stab Mr Phillips with his _pahooa_, but
failed in the attempt, and received from him a blow with the butt end
of his musket. Captain Cook now fired his second barrel, loaded with
ball, and killed one of the foremost of the natives. A general attack
with stones immediately followed, which was answered by a discharge of
musketry from the marines, and the people in the boats. The islanders,
contrary to the expectations of every one, stood the fire with great
firmness; and, bef