Canoes came off to
us very early in the morning. About half-past seven, when we were ready
to go ashore, there arose great consternation amongst the natives. Three
large war canoes, with conch-shells blowing, appeared off the mainland
and paddled across the Mayri Straits. Soon a large war canoe appeared
near the vessel. A great many small canoes from various parts of the
mainland were ordered off by those on whose side we were anchored. They
had to leave. On their departure a great shout was raised by the
victorious party, and in a short time all returned quietly to their
bartering. It seemed that the Stacy Islanders wished to keep all the
bartering to themselves. They did not wish the rest to obtain hoop-iron
or any other foreign wealth. They are at feud with one party on the
mainland, and I suppose in their late contests have been victorious, for
they told us with great exultation that they had lately killed and eaten
ten of their enemies from the mainland.
About nine, we went ashore near the anchorage.
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