Omea, a man who bore the title of Orono.  He was on board himself, and it would have been fortunate if our people had secured him, for his person was held as sacred as that of the king.  During this time, Captain Cook was preparing to go ashore himself, at the town of Kavaroah, in order to secure the person of Kariopoo, before he should have time to withdraw himself to another part of the island, out of our reach.  This appeared the most effectual step that could be taken on the present occasion for the recovery of the boat.  It was the measure he had invariably pursued, in similar cases, at other islands in these seas, and it had always been attended with the desired success; in fact, it would be difficult to point out any other mode of proceeding on these emergencies, likely to attain the object in view.[3] We had reason to suppose, that the king and his attendants had fled when the alarm was first given; in that case, it was Captain Cook’s intention to secure the large canoes which were hauled up on the beach.  He left the ship about seven o’clock, attended by the lieutenant of marines, a serjeant, corporal, and seven private men; the pinnace’s crew were also armed, and under the command of Mr Roberts.  As they rowed towards the shore, Captain Cook ordered the launch to leave her station at the west point of the bay, in order to assist his own boat.  This is a circumstance worthy of notice; for it clearly shews, that he was not unapprehensive of meeting with resistance from the natives, or unmindful of the necessary preparation for the safety of himself and his people.  I will venture to say, that from the appearance of things just at that time, there was not one, beside himself, who judged that such precaution was absolutely requisite; so little did his conduct on the occasion bear the marks of rashness, or a precipitate self-confidence!  He landed with the marines at the upper end of the town of Kavaroah; the Indians immediately flocked round as usual, and shewed him the customary marks of respect, by prostrating themselves before him.  There were no signs of hostilities, or much alarm among them.  Captain Cook, however, did not seem willing to trust to appearances, but was particularly attentive to the disposition of the marines, and to have them kept clear of the crowd.  He first enquired for the king’s sons, two youths who were much attached to him, and generally his companions on board.  Messengers being sent for them, they soon came to him, and informing him that their father was asleep at a house not far from them, he accompanied them thither, and took the marines along with them.  As he passed along, the natives every where prostrated themselves before him, and seemed to have lost no part of that respect they had always shewn to his person.  He was joined by several chiefs, among whom was Kanynah, and his brother Koohowrooah.  They kept the crowd in order, according to their usual custom; and, being ignorant of his intention in coming