e natives were seen on
the other side, and, to try to open communications, the yawl, pulled by
four boys, entered the river, whilst Cook followed up the natives, who
had retreated towards some huts about 300 yards away. Some Maoris,
thinking the boys would be an easy prey, tried to steal on the yawl, but
the coxswain of the pinnace observing them called the boat back. One of
the Maoris raised his spear to throw, and the coxswain fired over his
head, causing a moment's pause of surprise; but, seeing nothing further,
he again prepared to throw his spear, so the coxswain shot him, and his
friends retreated at once, leaving the body behind. Cook at once ordered
a return to the ship, as it was now getting dark.

The next morning, seeing some men near the same place, Cook again landed
with Banks, Solander, and an armed party; and Solander went forward to
the brink of the river to try and speak with the natives, but was
received with a threatening waving of spears and a war dance. Cook
retired to the boats, and landing the marines, again advanced with Green,
Monkhouse, and Tupia. The latter spoke to the natives; and, to the great
delight of the party, found he could make himself understood. After a
little parley an unarmed native swam across the river, and was then
followed by twenty or thirty more with their arms. Presents were given,
but they seemed dissatisfied, and wanted arms. At last one stole Green's
hanger, and they all became very aggressive and insolent, whilst more
were seen to be preparing to cross; so Cook, thinking the position was
getting too serious, ordered the one who had taken the hanger, and who
was apparently the leader, to be shot, whereon the rest beat a hasty
retreat.

The next day the boats tried to find another landing-place, but the surf
was too heavy; and when two canoes were seen coming in from the sea, Cook
determined to intercept them and try to come to friendly terms. However,
they would not stop when called on, and on a musket being fired over
them, the occupants seized their weapons and fiercely attacked the
nearest boat, its crew being compelled to fire in self-defence, and Cook
says two natives were killed. Banks gives the number as four, and the
Maori account agrees with him. Three jumped overboard to swim ashore, but
were picked up by the boats and taken on board ship. They were at first
very depressed, but soon recovered their spirits on finding themselves
well treated, and after eating