When the chief had heard the whole affair related, he wept aloud, and many other of the inhabitants did the same.

After the first transports of his grief had subsided, he began to expostulate with his people, telling them (for so his language was understood by the English) how well Captain Cook had treated them both in this and his former voyage, and how base it was in them to commit such actions.

He then took a minute account of the things of which Mr.
Sparrman had been robbed, and, after having promised to use his utmost endeavours for the recovery of them, desired to go into the captain's boat.

At this, the natives, apprehensive doubtless for the safety of their prince, expressed the utmost alarm, and used every argument to dissuade him from so rash a measure.

All their remonstrances, however, were in vain.