could not imagine ; but for fear of the worst,
the ships in the harbour shotted their guns,
and when the canoes were abreast of us, we
fired a blank one over their heads. On this
they all stopped, and we saw some stir amongst
them: at length a very small canoe left the
main body, and pulled directly towards u s;
it contained the chief persons of the expedition
: they came on board, and assured us
they meant no harm to any persons; they
were merely some of the late George’s friends,
who were going to pay a visit of condolence
to his relations; and, after making a most
hearty breakfast with us, they went on shore,
and we accompanied them.
Whether the account they gave of themselves
was correct, or the reverse, we knew
not at the time; but we felt assured their
intentions were not hostile towards us Europeans
; and their quarrels with each other
we were determined not to interfere in. We
soon discovered their falsehood; for George’s
eldest daughter informed me, that amongst
the chiefs who landed with us were several of
the most inveterate foes of her father, and
that they were only restrained from committing
the most dreadful outrages, and carrying
off all her relations as slaves, by witnessing the
many friends of George by whom they were
surrounded. The day was spent in savage
dancing, yelling, making speeches, and debating
as to who the proper person was to
succeed George in his dignities: several times
I thought the affair would end in blows.
George’s relation, Rivers, made great exertions
“ to keep the peace,” and finally, by
force of argument, succeeded : it was at length
unanimously agreed, that Kiney Kiney was to
succeed his brother, and that Rivers should
take the command until the time of Kiney
Kiney’s mourning for the loss of George
should be completed.
After these important matters were amicably
disposed of, I made a sign to Rivers, and,
separating him from the crowd, I explained
to him the nature of my situation, and asked
his assistance in getting me safely over to
E O Ke Angha. He replied, there would
certainly be great danger in attempting i t :
but I soon discovered that he magnified