the animals should be attended to, and told me that, while they
were considered as my property, no one would attempt to take them away.

Thursday 22.

This afternoon I received a message from Teppahoo to inform me that our
deserters had passed this harbour and were at Tettaha, about five miles
distant. I ordered the cutter to be got ready, and a little before sunset
left the ship, taking Oedidee with me. By his advice I landed at some
distance from the place where the deserters were but, thinking it
necessary to have the boat within call, and Oedidee assuring me that
there was safe landing farther on, I directed the boat to proceed along
shore whilst Oedidee and I walked along the beach. The night was very
dark and windy and the shore being rocky I soon lost sight of the boat. A
few of the natives had joined us in our walk and from their manner I had
reason to suspect them of a design to close upon us, with an intention no
doubt to plunder: I was provided with pocket-pistols and on producing one
they left us. Oedidee was so much alarmed that I could scarce prevail on
him to proceed. When we arrived at Teppahoo's house we were very kindly
received by him and his wife. The cutter was arrived but there being a
very high surf she could not come within a hundred yards of the shore.

The deserters I was informed were in a house close to us, and I imagined
there would be no great difficulty in securing them with the assistance
of the natives. They had however heard of my arrival; and when I was near
the house they came out without their arms and delivered themselves up. I
sent directions off to the boat for one of my people to come on shore and
for the boat to return to the place where I had landed. My next business
was to secure the arms, which I delivered to Teppahoo to take charge of
for the night. One musket and two bayonets were missing, which they said
were lost by the canoe in which they came from Tethuroa having overset. I
then took leave of Teppahoo who presented us with a plentiful supply of
provisions, and we proceeded with the deserters towards the boat but, as
the wind had increased and it rained hard, I determined to remain on
shore till the morning; and having found shelter for the people we passed
the remainder of the night without accident. At daylight I sent for the
arms and we returned to the ship.

Friday 23.

I learnt from the deserters that at Tethuroa they had seen Oreepyah and
Moannah, who had made