The men, fifteen in number, were well armed; and the mate was directed to have Long Tom ready for emergencies.
"Give way, lads," cried the captain.
The oars fell into the water at the word, the boat shot from the schooner's side, and in a few minutes reached the shore.

Here, contrary to our expectation, we were met with the utmost cordiality by Romata, the principal chief of the island, who conducted us to his house, and gave us mats to sit upon.

I observed in passing that the natives, of whom there were two or three thousand, were totally unarmed.
After a short preliminary palaver, a feast of baked pigs and various roots was spread before us; of which we partook sparingly, and then proceeded to business.

The captain stated his object in visiting the island, regretted that there had been a slight misunderstanding during the last visit, and hoped that no ill-will was borne by either party, and that a satisfactory trade would be accomplished.
Romata answered that he had forgotten there had been any differences between them, protested that he was delighted to see his friends again, and assured them they should have every assistance in cutting and embarking the wood.

The terms were afterwards agreed on, and we rose to depart.