dent the more unfortunate, was, it not appearing to be the
man who bent the bow, that was {hot, but one who flood
by him. This affair threw the natives into the utmoft con-
fternation ; and the few that were prevailed on to flay, ran
to the plantations and brought cocoa-nuts, &c. which they
laid down at our feet. So foon were thefe daring people
humbled! When I went on board to dinner they all retired,
and only a few appeared in the afternoon, amongft whom
were Paowang and Wha-a-gou. I had not feen this young
man, Cnee the day he dined on board. Both he and Paowang
promifed to bring me fruit, &c. the next morning, but our
early departure put it out of their power.
C H A P .
CH AP . VI.
. Departure from 'Tanna j with fome Account of its Inhabitants,
their Manners and Arts.
DURING the night the wind had veered round to S. E. fm jk
As this was favourable for getting out of the harbour, C.— j
at four o’clock in the morning of the 20th, we began to un- SaturdaJ' 20,
moor, and at eight, having weighed our laft anchor, put to
fea. As foon as we were clear of the land, I brought to, waiting
for the launch which was left behind to take up a kedge
anchor and hawfer we had out, to caft by. About day-break
a noife was heard in the woods, nearly abreaft of us, on the
,eaft fide of the harbour, not unlike flnging of pfalms. I was
told that the like had been heard at the fame time every
morning, but it never came to my knowledge till now, when
it was too late to learn the occaCon of it. Some were of opinion,
that at the eaft point of the harbour (where we obferv-
ed, in coming in, fome houfes, boats, &c.) was fomething
facred to religion, becaufe fome of our people had attempted
to go to this point, and were prevented by the natives. 1
thought, and do ftill think, it was only owing to a defire they.
fhewed, on every occaflon, of Cxing bounds to our excur-
Cons. So far as we had once been, we might go again• but not
farther with their confent. But by encroaching a little every
time, our country expeditions were infenflbly extended without
giving the leaft umbrage. Befides, thefe morning ceremonies,
whether religious or not, were not performed down at
L 2 that