ficult to say how we got out of them, as the
place was fraught with danger all round; for in standing clear of Scylla,
we might fall foul of Charybdis; the horror of which, considering our
present situation, may be better understood than expressed. After running
along, we came to an inhabited island, from which we promised ourselves a
supply of water. On our approach, the natives flocked down to the beach
in crowds. They were jet black, and neither sex had either covering or
girdle. We made signals of distress to them for something to drink, which
they understood; and on receiving some trifling presents of knives, and
some buttons cut off our coats, they brought us a cag of good water,
which we emptied in a minute, and then sent it back to be filled again.
They, however, would not bring it the second time, but put it down on the
beach, and made signs to us to come on shore for it. This we declined, as
we observed the women and children running, and supplying the men with
bows and arrows. In a few minutes, they let fly a shower of arrows
amongst the thick of us. Luckily we had not a man wounded; but an arrow
fell between the Captain and Third Lieutenant, and went through the boats
thwart, and stuck in it. It was an oak-plank inch thick. We immediately
discharged a volley of muskets at them, which put them to flight. There
were, however, none of them killed. We now abandoned all hopes of
refreshment here. This island lies contiguous to Mountainous Island.

It may be observed, that the channel throughout the reef is better than
any hitherto known. We ascertained the latitudes with the greatest
accuracy and exactness; and should government be inclined to plant trees
on those sandy keys, particularly the outermost one, it would be a good
distinguishing mark; and many difficulties which Capt. Cook experienced
to the southward would also be avoided. The cocoa-nut tree, on account of
its hardy nature, and the Norfolk and common pines, might be preferred,
from their height rendering the place more conspicuous. The tides or
currents are strong and irregular here, as may be expected, from the
extending reefs, shoals, and keys, and its vicinity to Endeavour Straits.

We steered from these hostile savages to other islands in sight, and sent
some armed men on shore, with orders to keep pretty near us, and to run
close along shore in the boats. But they returned without success. This
island we called Plumb Island, from its bearing an a