and to have them kept clear of the
crowd. He first enquired for the king's sons, two youths who were much
attached to him, and generally his companions on board. Messengers
being sent for them, they soon came to him, and informing him that
their father was asleep at a house not far from them, he accompanied
them thither, and took the marines along with them. As he passed
along, the natives every where prostrated themselves before him, and
seemed to have lost no part of that respect they had always shewn to
his person. He was joined by several chiefs, among whom was Kanynah,
and his brother Koohowrooah. They kept the crowd in order, according
to their usual custom; and, being ignorant of his intention in
coming on shore, frequently asked him, if he wanted any hogs or other
provisions; he told them that he did not, and that his business was
to see the king. When he arrived at the house, he ordered some of the
Indians to go in and inform Kariopoo, that he waited without to speak
with him. They came out two or three times, and instead of returning
any answer from the king, presented some pieces of red cloth to him,
which made Captain Cook suspect that he was not in the house; he
therefore desired the lieutenant of marines to go in. The lieutenant
found the old man just awaked from sleep, and seemingly alarmed at the
message; but he came out without hesitation. Captain Cook took him by
the hand, and in a friendly manner asked him to go on board, to which
he very readily consented. Thus far matters appeared in a favourable
train, and the natives did not seem much alarmed or apprehensive
of hostility on our side, at which Captain Cook expressed himself
a little surprised, saying, that as the inhabitants of that town
appeared innocent of stealing the cutter, he should not molest them,
but that he must get the king on board. Kariopoo sat down before his
door, and was surrounded by a great crowd; Kanynah and his brother
were both very active in keeping order among them. In a little time,
however, the Indians were observed arming themselves with long spears,
clubs, and daggers, and putting on thick mats, which they use as
armour. This hostile appearance increased, and became more alarming,
on the arrival of two men in a canoe from the opposite side of the
bay, with the news of a chief, called Kareemoo, having been killed by
one of the Discovery's boats. In their passage across, they had also
delivered this account to each of the s