We heard that Mailiukolo (Toulon) canoes with women were more numerous, and some very large ones with women alone.  In the early morning we were off the island, and soon ready to land.  On crossing the reef we met two canoes, one with men and one with women.  We signed to them to go to the vessel, whilst we pulled up to the large village on the north side.  As the boat touched the fine hard sandy beach, a man, the only being in sight, ran down and stood in front.  I went forward to spring ashore, but he said I must not.  Finding he knew the Daunai dialect, I said to him, I must land; that I was a friend, and gave him my name, which he already knew from the east.  I gave him a strip of red cloth and stepped ashore, when he ran away into the bush.  At our first approach I could only see this one man, but now I saw hundreds of grass petticoats on women standing under the houses.  I could not see the upper parts of their bodies, only the petticoats and feet.  They were indeed quiet until I advanced nearer, when one wild scream was given that would try stronger nerves than mine, and signs to keep away.  It required more inquisitiveness than I possessed to proceed.  I retired a few paces, warning the boat’s crew to keep a good look-out, and especially from the bush end of the village, where the man ran to.  I invited the dusky damsels to come to me, if they objected to my visiting them; but no, I must return whence I came; they had seen me, that was enough.

“No, my friends; we must meet, and you will have some presents.”

I held up beads and red cloth, but, strange to say, they seemed to have no effect on that curious crowd.  I never saw so many women together.  How were we to meet? was now the question; to be baulked by them would never do.  I threw on the beach a piece of red cloth and a few beads; walked away quite carelessly, and apparently not noticing what was taking place.  A girl steals out from the crowd, stops, turns, eyes fixed on me; advances, stops, crosses her hands, pressing her breast.  Poor thing! not courage enough; so, lightning speed, back.  It is evident the old ladies object to the younger ones attempting, and they are themselves too frightened.  Another young damsel about nine or ten years old comes out, runs, halts, walks cat-like, lest the touch of her feet on the sand should waken me from my reverie; another halt, holds her chest, lest the spirit should take its flight or the pattering heart jump right out.  I fear it was beyond the slight patter then, and had reached the stentorian thump of serious times.  On; a rush; well done!  She picks cloth and beads up.