informed them that he knew what they were seeking. They pressed him to go with them in pursuit of the thief; but when they had proceeded four miles, he pointed to a place three miles further, to which the quadrant had been carried. Conceiving that it might be dangerous to advance so far into the interior unprotected, Messrs. Banks and Green sent back the midshipman to bring a party to support them, while they moved forward with their guide to the spot which he had pointed out. Here, to their great joy, they recovered the quadrant, with a horse pistol and other articles formerly stolen. On their way back, they met the Commander with a party, hastening to their aid; and they all returned together, with mutual congratulations on the success of an expedition, of so much importance for the great object of their voyage.
Their joy was somewhat damped, on finding at their return, that Lieutenants Gore and Hicks, mistaking their instructions, had taken Tootahah into custody, and kept him a prisoner at the fort; to the no small concern of the natives, who imagined that he was going to be put to death. The Commander instantly released him; when their tears and lamentations gave place to transports of joy, although some days elapsed before they could forget the indignity done to their governor. To regain his friendship and theirs, and to restore the trade in provisions which had been seriously interrupted, Messrs. Cook and Banks, with Dr. Solander and others, paid a visit to Tootahah, on friday. May 5th, at his residence at Eparre; where they were kindly received, and treated with the sight of a grand public wrestling match, not unlike what prevailed among the ancient Greeks.
