Having satisfied our most pressing wants, we next set ourselves at work to obtain food. We had with us a part of the bread brought from the wreck, and the preparation given us by the natives composed of the cocoa-nut pulverized and mixed with the sweet liquor extracted from the tree. Putting these together into a bucket-full of water, we made out the materials for a supper, which, though not of a kind to suit the delicate palate, was devoured with thankfulness and a good relish. Feeling refreshed and invigorated by our meal, we gathered ourselves into a group on the beach, and passed our moments of relaxation in conversing upon the melancholy vicissitudes through which we had passed, and the gloomy prospect which was at that unpromising moment spread out before us. Should we find it possible to procure the means of subsistence, it was thought best to remain where we were for a day or two, not knowing what reception we should meet with, were we to throw ourselves into the hands of the inhabitants of the main island, and feeling an unconquerable reluctance to come in contact with beings scarce less ferocious than beasts of prey. But fortune having commenced making us the sport of painful incidents, soon subjected us to another annoyance. A canoe containing two living beings, in the form of men, in a state of nakedness, was seen, from where we sat, putting off from a point of land which projected into the sea a small distance below us. They had evidently discovered us, and were approaching the spot where we were, for the purpose of making themselves acquainted with us and our condition. When within hailing distance they stopped, and seemed afraid to come nearer. Thinking it best to be on friendly terms with them, we beckoned to have them approach. This seemed to please them; and, to manifest a friendly disposition, they held up a fish. To show them that we were inclined to reciprocate any acts of kindness, to the extent of our ability, we held up a crab which we had caught. Upon this they immediately came near to where we stood. We presented to each one a jackknife, and indicated by signs, that they were at liberty to take any thing we had. They appeared highly gratified, and their conduct was inoffensive. In a short time they returned to their canoe, and made signs to us to follow them; we thought best to do so, and accordingly soon placed our effects in the boat, and followed them towards a sort of harbor at no great distance. In consequence of the lightness of their canoe and their dexterity in managing it, they were soon ahead of us, and, turning round a point of land, they were speedily withdrawn from our view. In a few minutes they returned, accompanied by a large number of canoes--the water seemed to be literally covered by this miniature fleet. The natives were all armed, much like those with whom we first became acquainted.