Solander's piece, this champion ran off with the rest; and a few shots being soon after tired from the ship over their heads, they were wholly dispersed. "In this skirmish," says Capt. Cook, "only two of the Indians were hurt with the small shot, and not a single life was lost; which would not have been the case, if I had not restrained the men; who, either from fear, or the love of mischief, shewed as much impatience to destroy them, as a sportsman to kill his game." This was not the only instance, in which the humanity and prudence of our great navigator saved many lives.
Having gathered some celery in the cove, the Commander and his friends proceeded to examine a cave in the rocks, when an old chief came forth, with his wife and brother, and in a suppliant tone begged for protection. They spake kindly to him, and made him some presents; and when he expressed great solicitude for another brother who had been wounded, they assured him that he would recover. From the top of a hill, in the same island, they enjoyed an extensive view of the bay, which was uncommonly romantic and interesting; being filled with innumerable islands, forming as many harbours, where the water was as smooth as a mill-pond. Numerous towns, horses, and plantations were also in sight, the country being more populous than any part of the coast hitherto visited. Friendly intercourse, and fair trade, were carried on with numbers of the inhabitants, during some days, while the ship was detained here by calms and contrary winds. As some of the natives had been punished for theft, so it was necessary at this place to punish three of the ship's crew, who had broken into a plantation, and dug up some
