Upon getting clear of the reef, we made the best of our way toward the land, and as we neared the shore, a man came down to the beach. We lay on our oars and held a brief consultation, but decided it was better to land and take our chances with the natives than to starve in our boats. Seeing us hesitating, the man beckoned to us in a friendly manner to row along the beach, which we did until we came opposite a landing. Seeing a number of natives sitting in the grass and apparently making hostile demonstrations, we again paused for consultation. The captain objected to landing at all and proposed that we make the best of our way to Wallis' island, where there was a chance of falling in with some homeward bound whaler. Mr. Shaw, however, urged that the natives showed no signs of hostility, that what we had taken to be clubs and spears were nothing more than sugar cane that they had brought down to treat us with when we landed, and he argued that we could remain here until the weather moderated sufficiently to get what we wanted out of the ship to fit our boats, and then go where we liked. Seeing our hesitation, the natives sent one of the oldest of their party out in a small canoe. He paddled off until within a few feet of us but said nothing. We had the New Zealand boy in our boat and the captain told him to address the native in his language, which he did, but our visitor did not understand him and soon returned to the shore. Supposing he was sent off to invite us to land, we concluded to do so. As soon as the boat touched the beach, Capt. Riddell jumped out, walked up to the natives, and offered them his hand, but they took no notice of the friendly greeting, and all rose and made for the boats. The captain told us to let them take whatever there was in the boats, which was not much, as he had everything thrown overboard that he thought would be valuable to them for fear they might quarrel for the plunder and endanger our lives. They assisted us to haul up our boats and gave us some of their provisions, which consisted of sugar cane, coconuts, and a sweet root called mussarway and was very pleasant to the taste. We offered them some of our bread, but they would not eat it. Some of the women came down to the landing, looked at us, and returned to the town. Capt. Riddell took out his watch and placed it to the ear of a native, who started back with fright and astonishment. He then opened it and explained to them the use of it as well as he could by signs and finally presented it to one of the chiefs, who appeared to be highly pleased with it. After their curiosity was satisfied, the chief said something to one of the natives, who started for the town, making signs for us to follow, which we did. After traveling nearly a mile over a rough stony path, we arrived at the town, which consisted of about twenty houses. Two of these we found nicely prepared with mats, one for the officers, the other for the crew.