Page:Voyage of Discovery to the North Pacific Ocean, and Round the World in the Years 1791–95, volume 1.djvu/176

120 179B. January. the plantations, foon arrived at the houle of a chief, where Whytooa having provided an excellent rcpall they were {'umptuoufly regaled. In the evening, as they returned to our friend's houfe, they obferved many fires were burning at Oparre, as if a grand entertainment was pre- paring ; they however fared as ufual ; and after fupper, on requefting their worthy hod would join in a glafs of grog, to the health of friends in Bntarne, he, though extremely fond of the liquor, very politely de- clined the invitation; fa}'ing, there was but little for themfelves, and he would therefore drink " Britarne" in a bowl ol" Otaheitean ava, which was immediately prepared. Before break of day, Mowree acquainted them, that, as religious re- llri£lions were laid on all the canoes in that part of the ifland, his could not be launched ; he was informed this would not be any inconvenience, as it was the intention of the party to return by land ; and requelled, that Whytooa would prepare them an early bicakfall. This, Whytooa hoped, they would excufe, as fires were interdicted, and cooking could not be fufFered at his houfe; but that he would endeavour to provide them with fome refrefhment on their journey, when out of the diflrift of Oparre. Accompanied by their worthy holl and hoftefs, they now fet forth on their return, highly imprefied with the attentive kindnefs and hofpitality they had received. On reaching the rivulet, they requefted to be fhewn the morai to which the remains of Mahow had been carried the preceding day. The road was pointed out, but having advanced a little way a mefiage was delivered, requefting they would return. On explaining the promife made by Pomurrey, much hefitation enfued ; after which Whytooa dire6l- ed one of the natives only to accompany them, giving him at the fame lime very particular injunftions. Mr. Broughton and Mr. Menzies followed this man, who appeared exceedingly cautious and ap- prehenfive of every ftep he took. They had not proceeded far when a general folitary gloom prevailed ; all the houfes were deferted, and not a living creature, excepting two or three dogs, were to be feen until they arrived near the morai ; where, in a fmall houfe, three men were obferved, who, moft probably, were the centinels of the facred place. Thefe