about ten in the morning
But I suppose I ca n't interfere -- confound the fellow ! -- now that we are at peace with France . '' The wind was still blowing with great force , and as there appeared no prospect of the weather breaking for another day or two , Captain Reay and his officers made preparations for excursions into the country . The natives showed a very great friendliness towards the _ Triton 's _ people , and at about ten in the morning two boats left the ship for the shore , and Channing , accompanied by one of his Marines , who carried a fowling-piece , set out by themselves along the winding path that encircled the narrow littoral of the island off which the frigate lay . The captain had ordered that the shore party was not to remain later than sunset ; so , determined to see as much of the place as possible , Channing and Private Watts set off at a brisk pace . A three hours ' walk brought them to the windward side of the island , and then emerging from the palm-shaded path , they suddenly came upon the principal village of the island . Their appearance was hailed by the natives with every manifestation of pleasure , and a number of young men escorted them to the house of the principal head man , where they offered a simple repast of fish and fruit , and small drams of arrack served in coconut shells .