He is going for corn, but there is also an idea that he may hear news of that wished-for South Sea.
The Chickahominy proved itself a wonderland of swamp and tree-choked streams.

Somewhere up its chequered reaches Smith left the shallop with men to guard it, and, taking two of the party with two Indian guides, went on in a canoe up a narrower way.

Presently those left with the boat incautiously go ashore and are attacked by Indians.

One is taken, tortured, and slain.

The others get back to their boat and so away, down the Chickahominy and into the now somewhat familiar James.