He evidently noticed my astonishment, and added that the French Admiral was at sea looking for the English fleet. We shook hands and so parted. It was then too dark to see the name of his ship. We made sail. I invited the First Lieutenant to consult on the news we had received. It was decided that we would load every gun with round shot, grape, and canister. [Illustration: _Tahiti Harbour._] [Sidenote: July 9.] Soon after daylight we were off the harbour, and at about seven the English pilot we had heard of, but accompanied by a French officer, undertook the steerage. I was so interested at the navigation between coral banks, the beauty of the harbour, the merchant ships, two fine frigates, with sundry small craft, that I quite forgot about the guns. [Illustration: _Bowyear._] Had my gig manned, and directed Bowyear first to salute the Admiral’s flag, and when he saw me leaving to salute the Governor and French flag. He replied: “You forget, sir, that we have round shot, grape, and canister in every gun. I have nothing but this scoop to draw them, nor can we get outside against the sea-breeze to empty them. I could not fire a pistol here without hitting some one.” I had, however, to call on the Governor. On getting alongside the flagship, an officer informed me that I should find him at the Government House, On landing I was received by His Excellency in full dress, a guard of honour with band playing our National Air, and all officers attending. I never felt so guilty or so small. The Governor, M. Bonard, Capitaine de Vaisseau and Commodore, who included in his person that of Governor and Naval Commander-in-Chief, kindly put his arm in mine and led me away into his house, where he said luncheon would be getting cold. [Illustration: _Eimeo._] They all spoke or understood English as well as myself. The luncheon was excellent, wine to match, and I was hungry. After a while the Governor drew his chair near to mine, and, without alluding to my not having fired the usual salutes, stated that they were six months without news from Europe; and that if ever so small a yacht or strange fishing-vessel hove in sight, it caused excitement. Telescopes were brought to bear, and he said, “You may imagine the appearance of a British frigate----” [Illustration: _Inland Scenery._] Before I could commence my explanation he added, “Every five minutes I am receiving reports of the withdrawal of round shot, grape, and canister from every gun in your frigate.” I then explained my interview with the master of the American whaler. Every one of the gallant French captains rose without a moment’s hesitation, shook me by the hand, expressing a hope that under similar circumstances their officers would have done the same! In due time the salutes were fired and returned, and we mixed as one family. I have ever found French naval officers perfect gentlemen.