tion they sailed from Toobouai at the latter end of the month and
arrived at Otaheite on the 6th of June. The Otoo and other natives were
very inquisitive and desirous to know what was become of Lt. Bligh and
the other absentees and the bread fruit plants, &c. They deceived them by
saying that they had fallen in with Captain Cook at an island he had
lately discovered called "Why-Too-Tackee" [Aitutaki], and where he
intended to settle, and that the plants were landed and planted there,
and that Lt. Bligh and the other absentees were detained to assist
Captain Cook in the business he had in hand, and that he had appointed
Christian captain of the _Bounty_ and ordered him to Otaheite for an
additional supply of hogs, goats, fowls, bread fruit plants, &c.

These humane islanders were imposed upon by this artful story, and they
were so rejoiced to hear that their old friend Captain Cook was alive and
was near them that they used every means in their power to procure the
things that were wanted, so that in the course of a few days the _Bounty_
took on board 312 hogs, 38 goats, eight dozen fowls, a bull and a cow,
and a quantity of bread fruit plants, &c. They also took with them a
woman, eight men and seven boys. With these supplies they sailed from
Otaheite on the 19th June and arrived again at Toobouai on the 26th. They
landed the live stock on the quays that were near the harbour, lightened
the ship and warped her up the harbour into two fathoms water opposite to
the place where they intended to build the fort. On this occasion their
spare masts, yards and booms were got out and moored, but they afterwards
broke adrift and were lost.[36-1]

On the 19th July they began to build the fort. Its dimensions were 50
yards square. These villains had frequent quarrels amongst themselves
which at last were carried to such a length that no order was observed
amongst them, and by the 30th August the work at the fort was
discontinued. They had also almost continual disputes and skirmishes with
the natives, which were generally brought on by their own violence and
depredations. Christian, perceiving that he had lost his authority, and
that nothing more could be done, desired them to consult together and
consider what step would be the most advisable to take, and said that he
would put into execution the opinion that was supported by the most
votes. After long consultation it was at last determined that the scheme
of staying at Toobouai