Just as our people were getting some logs into the boat, four or five of the natives stepped forward to see what they were doing.

In consequence of the Indians not being allowed to come within certain limits, the sentinel ordered them back, upon which they readily complied.

At this time, Captain Cook, who had his eyes fixed upon them, observed the sentry present his piece to the men.

The captain was going to reprove him for his action, when, to his inexpressible astonishment, the sentry fired.

An attack, so causeless and extraordinary, naturally threw the natives into great confusion.
Most of them fled, and it was with difficulty that our commander could prevail upon a few of them to remain.