But when the worship was ended, neither of them asked any questions, nor would they attend to any explanations which were attempted to be given of what had been performed.
As the day approached for executing the grand purpose of the voyage, Lieutenant Cook determined, in consequence of some hints which he had received from the Earl of Morton, to send out two parties, to observe the transit of Venus from other situations.

By this means he hoped, that the success of the observation would be secured, if there should happen to be any failure at Otaheite.

Accordingly, on Thursday the 1st of June, he dispatched Mr.Gore in the long boat to Eimeo, a neighbouring island, together with Mr.Monkhouse and Mr.Sporing, a gentleman belonging to Mr.Banks.They were furnished by Mr.Green with proper instruments.

Mr.Banks himself chose to go upon this expedition, in which he was accompanied by Tubourai Tamaide and Tomio, and by others of the natives.

Early the next morning, the lieutenant sent Mr.Hicks, in the pinnace, with Mr.Clerk and Mr.Pickersgill, and Mr.Saunders, one of the midshipmen, ordering them to fix upon some convenient spot to the eastward, at a distance from the principal observatory, where they also might employ the instruments they were provided with for observing the transit.
The anxiety for such weather as would be favourable to the success of the experiment, was powerfully felt by all the parties concerned.