"I am afraid," remarked Cook, "these people will
compel me to use violent measures." As if to test the mettle of the
tacit threat, Sunday, daybreak, February 14, revealed that the large
rowboat of the _Discovery_ had been stolen.
When Captain King, who had charge of the guard repairing the masts over
under the cocoanut grove came on board Sunday morning, he found Cook
loading his gun, with a line of soldiers drawn up to go ashore in order
to allure the ruler of the islands on board, and hold him as hostage
for the restitution of the lost boat. Clerke, of the _Discovery_, was
too far gone in consumption to take any part. Cook led the way on the
pinnace with Ledyard and six marines. Captain King followed in the
launch with as many more. All the other small boats of the two ships
were strung across the harbor from Kakooa, where the grove was, to
Kowrowa, where the king dwelt, with orders to fire on any canoe trying
to escape.
Before the fearless leader, the savages prostrated themselves in the
streets. Cook strode like a conqueror straight to the door of the
king's abode.
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