258
VOYAGE IN SEARCH
[1793.
during our stay at New Caledonia, concerning the fate of those unfortunate navigators who were the object of our researches. It is not, however, improbable, that this dangerous and almost inaccessible coast proved fatal to them. We know that La Pérouse was to have explored the western coast of it, and one is chilled with horror in reflecting on the fate that would await those unfortunate seamen, should a shipwreck have obliged them to seek for refuge amongst the cannibals that inhabit it.
CHAP. XIV.
Departure from New Caledonia—Interview with the Inhabitants of the Island of St. Croix—Their Treachery—One of these Savages slightly pierces with an Arrow the Forehead of one of our Seamen, who died some Time after in Consequence of the Wound—Singular Construction of their Canoes—View of the Southern Part of the Archipelago of Solomon—Interview with its Inhabitants—Their Perfidy—The Northern Coast of Liuisiade reconnoitred—Interview with its Inhabitants—Dangers of that Navigation—Sail through Dampier's Straits in order to reconnoitre the North Coast of New Britain—Death of Ge-
neral
