their
Islands; but this gross ignorance was counterbalanced by most of the
chiefs, who believed differently, and to their more liberal opinion we
are indebted for our lives.

About this time the Islands were refreshed by plentiful showers of
rain, and the natives assembled at Milly to sing for the breadfruit to
come in abundance. They said their singing would please _Anit_, and
that he would reward them with a very great crop.

A disturbance existed between the high chief and his brother
_Longerene_. The disagreement lasted about nine months, during which
time the two brothers did not see or speak to each other. _Luttuon_,
the high chief, then sent a canoe to inform his brother _Longerene_
that he wished to see him. An interview took place, and a treaty of
peace was ratified.

During our stay at Milly, I had frequent opportunities of seeing Lay,
my fellow sufferer; but the only relief we could afford each other was
derived from a sympathy of feelings, and in conversations relating to
our homes and native country, by blending our mutual wishes for a safe
return, &c. &c. The reader can hardly conceive the unpleasantness of
our situation at this time--the famine was so great that the tender
branches of trees were cooked, and the nutricious juice drank as food.
My strength was so reduced in consequence of being deprived of my
usual quantity of provisions, that I was unable to accompany my master
on a fishing voyage. When my master returned, he found me lying in the
hut, and asked me what was the matter. I informed him my indisposition
proceeded from hunger; he cooked a fish and gave me, which, though it
afforded me some relief, was not half enough to satisfy the cravings
of appetite.

After I had recruited my strength, one day while engaged in fishing, a
canoe came to the Island; and as soon as the canoe was near enough for
the natives in her to be heard, they commenced hallooing and making
dreadful noises, which is their practice when war is declared. They
informed us that the high chief had killed several of the lower chiefs
who belonged to the Island called Alloo; that _Longerene_ had fled to
Alloo, his own Island; and that the high chief was determined to
pursue and kill him. We were ordered to go immediately to his
assistance; accordingly we set sail for the Island Milly, where we
found a great number of natives collected for war. Again I had the
satisfaction of being with Lay; who informed me that they were going