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372
COOK'S THIRD VOYAGE.

being treated with feasts, and plentifully supplied with provisions, in the form of presents; for which, of course, suitable returns were made. On the day when Oedidee gave a dinner, a large present of cloth was sent by Whappai, the King's father, in a most singular way: the cloth was wrapped round two girls in such quantity, that each of them measured five or six yards round, so that it was with difficulty they were conducted on board, along with a quantity of hogs and fruit.

As Captain Cook sometimes entertained the natives with exhibitions of fireworks and military exercises, he was himself entertained with a specimen of their naval manœuvres, and mode of fighting at sea. Two war canoes, the one commanded by Otoo, the other by Omai, went through various movements of advancing and retreating; till at last they closed, and after all the men on the fighting stage in Otoo's vessel were supposed to be killed, Omai's party boarded it, while Otoo and his friends leaped overboard, as if to save their lives: for in their engagements no quarter is given. The strength of these islands lies in their navies, and their decisive battles are fought on the water.

The war with Eimeo, conducted by Towha, Potatow, and other chiefs, was feebly carried on. They sent repeatedly to Otoo for reinforcement, but, on monday, September 22nd, when the King was ready to sail with a large fleet, accompanied by his British friends, who were then ready to put to sea, news came that Towha had made peace with the men of Eimeo, and had returned with his fleet to Attahooroo. He was blamed for making a dishonourable peace, instead of waiting for reinforcements; Whappai, in particular, was vexed at