Towards evening, I had the satisfaction to find our stock of provisions somewhat increased; but the natives did not appear to have much to spare.  What they brought was in such small quantities, that I had no reason to hope we should be able to procure from them sufficient to stock us for our voyage.  At night, I served a quarter of a breadfruit and a cocoanut to each person for supper; and a good fire being made, all but the watch went to sleep.

Saturday, 2d.—­As there was no certainty of our being supplied with water by the natives, I sent a party among the gullies in the mountains, with empty shells, to see what could be found.  In their absence the natives came about us, as I expected, and in greater numbers; two canoes also came in from round the north side of the island.  In one of them was an elderly chief, called Macca-ackavow.  Soon after, some of our foraging party returned, and with them came a good-looking chief, called Egijeefow, or Eefow.

Their affability was of short duration, for the natives began to increase in number, and I observed some symptoms of a design against us.  Soon after, they attempted to haul the boat on shore, on which I brandished my cutlass in a threatening manner, and spoke to Eefow to desire them to desist:  which they did, and everything became quiet again.  My people, who had been in the mountains, now returned with about three gallons of water.  I kept buying up the little bread-fruit that was brought to us, and likewise some spears to arm my men with, having only four cutlasses, two of which were in the boat.  As we had no means of improving our situation, I told our people I would wait till sunset, by which time, perhaps, something might happen in our favor; for if we attempted to go at present, we must fight our way through, which we could do more advantageously at night; and that, in the meantime, we would endeavor to get off to the boat what we had bought.  The beach was lined with the natives, and we heard nothing but the knocking of stones together, which they had in each hand.  I knew very well this was the sign of an attack.  At noon I served a cocoanut and a bread-fruit to each person for dinner, and gave some to the chiefs, with whom I continued to appear intimate and friendly.  They frequently importuned me to sit down, but I as constantly refused; for it occurred both to Nelson and myself that they intended to seize hold of me, if I gave them such an opportunity.  Keeping, therefore, constantly on our guard, we were suffered to eat our uncomfortable meal in some quietness.

After dinner, we began, by little and little, to get our things into the boat, which was a troublesome business, on account of the surf.  I carefully watched the motions of the natives, who continued to increase in number; and found that, instead of their intention being to leave us, fires were made, and places fixed on for their stay during the night.  Consultations were also held among them, and everything assured me we should be attacked.  I sent orders to the master that, when he saw us coming down, he should keep the boat close to the shore, that we might the more readily embark.