As they were not to be found in the morning, Mr.Cook was apprehensive that they intended to stay behind; but, being unwilling to endanger the harmony and goodwill which at present subsisted between our people, and the natives, he determined to wait a day for the chance of the men's return.

As, to the great concern of the lieutenant, the marines were not come back on the morning of the tenth, inquiry was made after them of the Indians, who acknowledged that each of them had taken a wife, and had resolved to become inhabitants of the country.

After some deliberation, two of the natives undertook to conduct such persons to, the place of the deserters' retreat, as Mr.Cook should think proper to send; and, accordingly, he dispatched with the guides a petty officer and the corporal of the marines.

As it was of the utmost importance to recover the men, and to do it speedily, it was intimated to several of the chiefs who were in the fort with the women, among whom were Tubourai Targaide, Tomio, and Oberea, that they would not be to leave it till the fugitives were returned; and the lieutenant had the pleasure of observing, that they received the intimation with very little indications of alarm, and with assurances, that his people should be secured and sent back as soon as possible.

While this transaction took place at the fort, our commander sent Mr.Hicks in the pinnace to fetch Tootahah on board the ship.