As the canoe had not left us long before a gale of wind came on, I was alarmed for the consequence; however, I had the pleasure to find that my friend had escaped unhurt, though not without some difficulties.  I take notice of this short excursion, merely because it afforded me an opportunity of observing that there appeared no change in the disposition or behaviour of the inhabitants.  I saw nothing that could induce me to think that they were displeased with our return, or jealous of the intention of our second visit.  On the contrary, that abundant good-nature, which had always characterised them, seemed still to glow in every bosom, and to animate every countenance.[2] The next day, February the 12th, the ships were put under a taboo by the chiefs; a solemnity, it seems, that was requisite to be observed, before Kariopoo, the king, paid his first visit to Captain Cook, after his return.  He waited upon him the same day, on board the Resolution, attended by a large train, some of which bore the presents designed for Captain Cook; who received him in his usual friendly manner, and gave him several articles in return.  This amicable ceremony being settled, the taboo was dissolved; matters went on in the usual train; and the next day, February the 13th, we were visited by the natives in great numbers.  The Resolution’s mast was landed, and the astronomical observatories erected on their former situation.  I landed, with another gentleman, at the town of Kavaroah, where we found a great number of canoes, just arrived from different parts of the island, and the Indians busy in erecting temporary huts on the beach for their residence during the stay of the ships.  On our return on board the Discovery, we learned, that an Indian had been detected in stealing the armourer’s tongs from the forge; for which he received a pretty severe flogging, and was sent out from the ship.  Notwithstanding the example made of this man, in the afternoon another had the audacity to snatch the tongs and a chisel from the same place, with which he jumped overboard, and swam for the shore.  The master and a midshipman were instantly dispatched after him in the small cutter.  The Indian, seeing himself pursued, made for a canoe; his countrymen took him on board, and paddled as swift as they could towards the shore; we fired several muskets at them, but to no effect, for they soon got out of the reach of our shot.  Pareah, one of the chiefs, who was at that time on board the Discovery, understanding what had happened, immediately went ashore, promising to bring back the stolen goods.  Our boat was so far distanced, in chacing the canoe which had taken the thief on board, that he had time to make his escape into the country.  Captain Cook, who was then ashore, endeavoured to intercept his landing; but it seems that he was led out of the way by some of the natives, who had officiously intruded themselves as guides.  As the master was approaching near the landing-place, he was met by some of the Indians