Having reached the south-east end of Otaheite, the two
ships being together, at daybreak they found themselves not half a
league from a reef, towards which the send of the sea, the wind having
fallen, was drifting them rapidly. To anchor was impossible. A passage
was discovered through the reef, but a boat being sent ahead to sound,
it was found there was not sufficient water for the ships to pass on.
The horrors of shipwreck threatened the explorers. Closer and closer
they drove to the reef. At last the anchors were let go. The
_Resolution_ was brought up in less than three fathoms, striking at
every fall of the sea. The _Adventure_, however, remained afloat.
Kedge anchors and hawsers were immediately carried out, which would have
availed but little had not the tide turned, and a light breeze coming
off shore, both vessels making sail, got safely to sea.

On anchoring close in shore in the Bay of Oaiti-piha, numbers of natives
came off, bringing numerous fruits and vegetables, which they exchanged
for nails and beads; but the petty chiefs were greatly addicted to
pilfering and cheating in every possible way, and on one occasion the
whole party being found stealing, they were turned out of the ship and
two muskets fired over their heads to frighten them. They took to
flight, leaving a little boy, who was at first greatly alarmed, but
having been kindly treated and some beads given him, he was sent safely
on shore. This at once restored the confidence of the natives.

On another occasion a native seized a musket from one of the sentinels
and made off with it. He was seen, however, by one of the chiefs, and
his prize restored. On the following day the chief brought a quantity
of cocoa-nuts tied up in bundles, but on opening them it was found that
they were empty. The chief did not seem disconcerted, but acknowledged,
after opening two or three himself, that the inside had been extracted.
He afterwards, to make amends, sent off a quantity of plantains and
bananas.

After an interview with the King Waheatoua, whom Cook had formerly known
under the name of Tearee, the ships sailed for Matavia Bay. Before they
anchored, a large number of natives came off. Among them was the King
Otoo. Next day Captain Cook and some of his officers set off to visit
him. He was found seated on the ground under the shade of a tree, with
a large crowd round him, all standing with bare heads and shoulders in
mark of respect. Cap