All this time, the old king remained on the ground, with the strongest marks of terror and dejection in his countenance; Captain Cook, not willing to abandon the object for which he had come on shore, continuing to urge him, in the most pressing manner, to proceed; whilst, on the other hand, whenever the king appeared inclined to follow him, the chiefs, who stood round him, interposed, at first with prayers and entreaties, but afterward had recourse to force and violence, and insisted on his staying where he was.  Captain Cook, therefore, finding that the alarm had spread too generally, and that it was in vain to think any longer of getting him off without bloodshed, at last gave up the point; observing to Mr Phillips, that it would be impossible to compel him to go on board, without the risk of killing a great number of the inhabitants.

Though the enterprise, which had carried Captain Cook on shore, had now failed, and was abandoned, yet his person did not appear to have been in the least danger, till an accident happened which gave a fatal turn to the affair.  The boats, which had been stationed across the bay, having fired at some canoes that were attempting to get out, unfortunately had killed a chief of the first rank.  The news of his death arrived at the village where Captain Cook was, just as he had left the king, and was walking slowly toward the shore.  The ferment it occasioned was very conspicuous; the women and children were immediately sent off; and the men put on their war-mats, and armed themselves with spears and stones.  One of the natives, having in his hands a stone, and a long iron pike, (which they call a pahooa,) came up to the captain, flourishing his weapon, by way of defiance, and threatening to throw the stone.  The captain desired him to desist; but the man persisting in his insolence, he was at length provoked to fire a load of small shot.  The man having his mat on, which the shot were not able to penetrate, this had no other effect than to irritate and encourage them.  Several stones were thrown at the marines; and one of the Erees attempted to stab Mr Phillips with his pahooa, but failed in the attempt, and received from him a blow with the butt end of his musket.  Captain Cook now fired his second barrel, loaded with ball, and killed one of the foremost of the natives.  A general attack with stones immediately followed, which was answered by a discharge of musketry from the marines, and the people in the boats.  The islanders, contrary to the expectations of every one, stood the fire with great firmness; and, before the marines had time to reload, they broke in upon them with dreadful shouts and yells.  What followed was a scene of the utmost horror and confusion.