to come with the idea of any protection being required, but that a
man-of-war coming with the intention of supporting the Mission, and
giving help, and not coming to treat the natives in an off-hand
manner, might do good. I did not speak coldly; but really I fear
what mischief even a few wildish fellows might do on shore among such
people as those of the Banks Islands!

'A fore-and-aft schooner in sight! Probably some trader. May be a
schooner which I heard the French had brought for missionary
purposes. What if we find a priest or two at Port Patteson!
However, my course is clear any way: work straight on.

'May 21st.--Schooner a false alarm. We had a very interesting visit
on Saturday afternoon at Mai. We could not land till 4 P.M.; walked
at once to the village, a mile and a half inland. After some
excitement caused by our appearance, the people rushing to welcome
us, we got them to be quiet, and to sit down. I stood up, and gave
them a sermonette, then made Dudley, who speaks good Mai, say
something. Then we knelt down, and I said the second Good Friday
Collect, inserted a few petitions which you can imagine anyone would
do at such a time, then a simple prayer in their language, the Lord's
Prayer in English, and the Grace.'

On Friday Mota was reached, and the people showed great delight when
the frame of the house was landed at the site purchased for a number
of hatchets and other goods, so that it is the absolute property of
the Mission. Saturday was spent in a visit to Port Patteson, where
the people thronged, while the water-casks were being filled, and
bamboos cut down, with entreaties that the station might be there;
and the mosquitoes thronged too--Mr. Patteson had fifty-eight bites