was tumult:  every man took to his arms and, as I found my single interference could be of no service, I retired to our post and ordered all my people there under arms.  At the time the disturbance began Tinah and Iddeah were absent:  their first care was for me, and Iddeah came to see if I was safe at the post.  She had a double covering of cloth round her and her waist was girded with a large rope.  I desired her to stay under my protection:  this she would not consent to but said she would return as soon as all was over; and away she went.

I immediately gave orders for two guns to be fired from the ship without shot, which had a good effect:  and as no chief was concerned in the tumult but, on the contrary, all of them exerted their influence to prevent mischief, everything was soon quiet and Tinah and Iddeah returned to let me know that all was settled.  They went on board with some other chiefs and dined with me.

After dinner I went on shore with Tinah and his friends, and I found three large hogs dressed, and a quantity of breadfruit which he had ordered to be prepared before he went on board, and now desired I would present them to the different parties that had come to see the entertainment:  one to the chief people of Attahooroo, one to the Arreoys, and a third to the performers of the heiva.  I presented them according to his directions and they were received with thankfulness and pleasure.  This I looked upon as very handsomely done on the part of Tinah, and I was glad to see that it was regarded in the same light by his guests.  These instances of liberality make full amends for the little slips which I have formerly noticed in Tinah.  At this time a day seldom passed that he did not give proofs of his hospitality by entertaining the principal people that came from different parts of the island to visit him, or to see the ship.  Some of the chiefs he commonly invited to dine on board, and made provision for others on shore.  Scarce any person of consequence went away without receiving some present from him.  This I encouraged and was glad it was in my power to assist him.  But besides the political motives that I have alluded to it would be unjust to Tinah not to acknowledge that his disposition seemed improved:  he was more open and unreserved in his manners than formerly, and his hospitality was natural and without ostentation.

Monday 16.

I was present this afternoon at a wrestling match by women.  The manner of challenging and method of attack was exactly the same as among the men.  The only difference that I could observe was not in favour of the softer sex; for in these contests they showed less temper and more animosity than I could have imagined them capable of.  The women, I was told, not only wrestle with each other but sometimes with the men; of this I have never seen an instance and imagine it can happen but seldom, as the women in general are small and by no means masculine.  Iddeah is said to be very famous at this exercise.