to instant death. Not so with us; a ray of hope shot
through our minds, that this circumstance might be the means of
rescuing us from our lonely situation.--The writers of this narrative
were upon the most intimate terms, and frequently, though carefully,
sympathized with each other upon their forlorn situation. We dare not
communicate our disaffection to the Government of the two surviving
mutineers, (Payne and Oliver,) to the others, fearing they might not
agree with us in opinion, and we had too good reason to believe, that
there was _one_, who although unstained by blood, yet from his
conduct, seemed to sanction the proceedings of the mutineers.

The natives assembled in great numbers around the tent, expressing
great surprise at the ship's having left,--Payne gave them to
understand that the wind had forced her to sea, and that from her want
of sails, rigging, &c. she must be lost, and would never return.--The
natives received the assurance with satisfaction, but it was evident,
Payne apprehended her safe arrival at some port, and his own
punishment; for we were immediately set to work, to tear one boat to
pieces, for the purpose of raising upon another, which was to have _a
deck_; Payne, alleging as a reason for this, that the natives might
compel us to leave the Island. We leave the reader to judge, however,
of his motives, while we proceed to give an account of what actually
did transpire.

The natives in considerable numbers continued to attend us, and while
the work was progressing, exhibited a great deal of curiosity. Their
deportment towards us continued to be of the most friendly nature,
continuing to barter with us, giving us bread fruit, cocoanuts, &c.
for which they received in return, pieces of iron hoop, nails, and
such articles as we could conveniently spare.

The small Islands of this groupe are frequently only separated by what
are sometimes denominated causeways, or in other words, connected by
reefs of coral, extending from the extreme point of one Island and
connecting it with another. These reefs are nearly dry at low water,
and the communication is easily kept up between them by the natives on
foot.

On the 19th, in the morning, having obtained permission, several of us
left the tent, travelling to the Eastward.--After crossing upon the
causeways to several adjacent islands, we discovered numerous tracks
of the natives in the sand, and having followed them about seven
miles, came to a vill