ected the return of the boat with the utmost impatience; and,
after remaining a quarter of an hour under the most torturing anxiety
and suspense, our fears were at length confirmed by the arrival of Mr
Bligh, with orders to strike the tents as quickly as possible, and to
send the sails that were repairing on board. Just at the same moment,
our friend Kaireekeea, having also received intelligence of the death
of Captain Cook, from a native who had arrived from the other side
of the bay, came to me, with great sorrow and dejection in his
countenance, to enquire if it was true.

Our situation was, at this time, extremely critical and important; not
only our own lives, but the event of the expedition, and the return of
at least one of the ships, being involved in the same common danger.
We had the mast of the Resolution, and the greatest part of our sails,
on shore, under the protection of only six marines: Their loss would
have been irreparable; and though the natives had not as yet shewn the
smallest disposition to molest us, yet it was impossible to answer
for the alteration which the news of the transaction at Kowrowa might
produce. I therefore thought it prudent to dissemble my belief of
the death of Captain Cook, and to desire Kaireekeea to discourage
the report; lest either the fear of our resentment, or the successful
example of their countrymen, might lead them to seize the favourable
opportunity, which at this time offered itself, of giving us a second
blow. At the same time I advised him to bring old Kaoo and the rest of
the priests, into a large house that was close to the _morai_; partly
out of regard to their safety, in case it should have been found
necessary to proceed to extremities; and, partly, to have him near us,
in order to make use of his authority with the people, if it could be
instrumental in preserving peace.

Having placed the marines on the top of the _morai_, which formed
a strong and advantageous post, and left the command with Mr Bligh,
giving him the most positive directions to act entirely on the
defensive, I went on board the Discovery, in order to represent to
Captain Clerke the dangerous situation of our affairs. As soon as I
quitted the spot, the natives began to annoy our people with stones;
and I had scarcely reached the ship, before I heard the firing of the
marines. I therefore returned instantly on shore, where I found things
growing every moment more alarming. The natives were ar