d to accept his presents;
and was going to dismiss him, with some expressions of anger and
resentment, had not Captain Clerke, judging it best, at all events, to
keep up the appearance of friendship, thought it more proper that he
should be treated with the usual respect.

This treacherous fellow came frequently to us, during the course of
the forenoon, with some trifling present or other; and, as I always
observed him eyeing every part of the ship with great attention, I
look care he should see we were well prepared for our defence.

He was exceedingly urgent, both with Captain Clerke and myself, to go
on shore, laying all the blame of the detention of the bodies on the
other chiefs; and assuring us that every thing might be settled to
our satisfaction by a personal interview with Terreeoboo. However,
his conduct was too suspicious to make it prudent to comply with this
request; and indeed a fact came afterward to our knowledge, which
proved the entire falsehood of his pretences: For we were told, that,
immediately after the action, in which Captain Cook was killed, the
old king had retired to a cave in the steep part of the mountain that
hangs over the bay, which was accessible only by the help of ropes,
and where he remained for many days, having his victuals let down to
him by cords.

When Koah returned from the ships, we could perceive that his
countrymen, who had been collected, by break of day, in vast crowds on
the shore, thronged about him with great eagerness; as if to learn the
intelligence he had acquired, and what was to be done in consequence
of it. It is very probable, that they expected we should attempt to
put our threats in execution; and they seemed fully resolved to stand
their ground. During the whole morning we heard conchs blowing in
different parts of the coast; large parties were seen marching over
the hills; and, in short, appearances were so alarming, that we
carried out a stream-anchor, to enable us to haul the ship abreast
of the town, in case of an attack; and stationed boats off the north
point of the bay, to prevent a surprise from that quarter.

The breach of their engagement to restore the bodies of the slain, and
the warlike posture in which they at this time appeared, occasioned
fresh debates amongst us concerning the measures next to be pursued.
It was at last determined, that nothing should be suffered to
interfere with the repair of the mast, and the preparations for our
depar