Led to a temple, he was clothed with red cloth, had pigs offered to him, and was generally treated in a manner which, though satisfactory as showing the friendly feelings of the natives, was puzzling to the Europeans.

This continued throughout their stay, presents of all kinds being showered upon them.

The officers, however, observed that the warrior chiefs were not so enthusiastic as the priests and common people.

The death of a seaman, who was buried on shore in the presence of a large concourse, would seem to have been the first circumstance that threw doubts upon the godlike character of the visitors; but the ready way in which the fence of a Morai or sacred inclosure, which included various images, was granted for fuel, shows that the priests still held to their idea.

The king, Taraiopu (or Terreooboo, as his name was written by Captain King), arrived shortly after the ships anchored, and showed himself to be as much impressed with the public belief as any of his subjects.
Thus matters continued during the eighteen days the ships remained; but towards the end of this time the natives began to show anxiety that they should be gone.