it from the man on my left, and threw it in the sea. He
tried to do the same with the one on my right; but he was too light a
man, and did not succeed. An old woman, when at the point, came out and
asked them what they meant, and followed us, talking to them all the way,
so dividing their thoughts. An old chief, whom we saw on our way up,
came hurriedly along to meet us, calling out, "Mine is the peace! What
have these foreigners done that you want to kill them?" He closed up to
the teacher, and took him by the hand. Another chief walked close behind
me. They began to talk loudly amongst themselves. Some were finding
fault that we should have been allowed to get near the village, and
others that there was yet time. The boat was anchored some distance off:
we got her nearer; and, when ready to move off to the boat, I opened my
satchel, gave hoop-iron to our friends the chiefs, and threw beads
amongst the crowd. I shouted for Kapumari, and a sturdy young fellow
fought his way through the crowd. I gave him a piece of hoop-iron, and,
with our friendly chiefs, he forced the crowd back, calling on us to be
quick, and follow. So into the water we got, the chiefs calling, "Go
quick; go quick!" We got on board; our Chinamen got flustered, and very
nearly let the boat drift broadside on the beach; we, with poles and
oars, got her round and off, sails set, and away for Kerepunu. Before
changing clothes, we thanked God our Father for His protection and care
over us. We felt He alone did all; unsettled their thoughts as to who
first, where, and when; and it was He who gave us friends.

Why should they want to kill us? It was surely never for the small
satchel I carried. I believe it was revenge. Some years ago, a vessel
called off Aroma; trading for food was done on board; thieving went on;
food was sold twice; revolvers and rifles were brought out; the natives
were fired on, several were wounded, and very likely some were killed.
Natives on the beach were fired upon, and some were wounded who were
hiding in the bush close by. We land--the first foreigners to visit
them--and on us they will be revenged. What a pity that the same
foreigners who fire on the natives do not return the following week, and
so receive their deserts! The wretches steer clear of such parts. I
have asked the teacher to find out, if possible, why Aroma wished to kill
Tamate and Taria.

When in the boat, we asked the Hula boy why he left u