behind me.  They began to talk loudly amongst themselves.  Some were finding fault that we should have been allowed to get near the village, and others that there was yet time.  The boat was anchored some distance off:  we got her nearer; and, when ready to move off to the boat, I opened my satchel, gave hoop-iron to our friends the chiefs, and threw beads amongst the crowd.  I shouted for Kapumari, and a sturdy young fellow fought his way through the crowd.  I gave him a piece of hoop-iron, and, with our friendly chiefs, he forced the crowd back, calling on us to be quick, and follow.  So into the water we got, the chiefs calling, “Go quick; go quick!” We got on board; our Chinamen got flustered, and very nearly let the boat drift broadside on the beach; we, with poles and oars, got her round and off, sails set, and away for Kerepunu.  Before changing clothes, we thanked God our Father for His protection and care over us.  We felt He alone did all; unsettled their thoughts as to who first, where, and when; and it was He who gave us friends.

Why should they want to kill us?  It was surely never for the small satchel I carried.  I believe it was revenge.  Some years ago, a vessel called off Aroma; trading for food was done on board; thieving went on; food was sold twice; revolvers and rifles were brought out; the natives were fired on, several were wounded, and very likely some were killed.  Natives on the beach were fired upon, and some were wounded who were hiding in the bush close by.  We land—­the first foreigners to visit them—­and on us they will be revenged.  What a pity that the same foreigners who fire on the natives do not return the following week, and so receive their deserts!  The wretches steer clear of such parts.  I have asked the teacher to find out, if possible, why Aroma wished to kill Tamate and Taria.

When in the boat, we asked the Hula boy why he left us and took to the boat.  He said he had heard some say we should be killed, and that we would make a fine feast.  He did not tell us, because he had not an opportunity, and was afraid the people might hear him if he told, and so he would be killed.

A week later a chief from Maopa came with a Kerepunu chief to see me.  I recognised him as the one who kept back the crowd the other day at Aroma, and opened the way for me to get into the water, and so into the boat.  He says, from our landing in the morning they had determined to kill us, but the suitable time did not arrive.  When we arrived at the place where the large canoes from Toulon and Daunai were lying, it was there arranged by the Aroma people and those from the canoes that Aroma should kill us and have all they could get, and those from the canoes should have the bodies to eat.  He says they kept putting it off, until, finally, it was to be done when we were at the boat, then they would have boat and all; but he and two other chiefs arrived just in time.  He says it was not revenge, and, turning to the Kerepunu chief, he said, “You know Aroma from of old, and how all strangers are killed.”  I gave him a present, and told him that I hoped to see him soon.