females, who had seated herself on the rock in front of the bower,
and, having placed her child at her feet, was busily engaged in
devouring the remains of a roast pig.

By this time the natives outside were all astir, and breakfast in
an advanced state of preparation. During the course of it we made
sundry attempts to converse with the natives by signs, but without
effect. At last we hit upon a plan of discovering their names.
Jack pointed to his breast and add "Jack," very distinctly; then he
pointed to Peterkin and to me, repeating our names at the same
time. Then he pointed to himself again, and said "Jack," and
laying his finger on the breast of the chief, looked inquiringly
into his face. The chief instantly understood him and said
"Tararo," twice, distinctly. Jack repeated it after him, and the
chief, nodding his head approvingly, said "Chuck." On hearing
which, Peterkin exploded with laughter; but Jack turned and with a
frown rebuked him, saying, "I must look even more indignantly at
you than I feel, Peterkin, you rascal, for these fellows don't like
to be laughed at." Then turning towards the youngest of the women,
who was seated at the door of the bower, he pointed to her;
whereupon the chief said, "Avatea;" and pointing towards the sun,
raised his finger slowly towards the zenith, where it remained
steadily for a minute or two.

"What can that mean, I wonder," said Jack, looking puzzled.

"Perhaps," said Peterkin, "the chief means she is an angel come
down to stay here for a while. If so, she's an uncommonly black
one!"