Page:Williams and Calvert, Fiji and the Fijians, New York, 1860.djvu/379

EEWA. 349 moved to the neighbouring town of Niikui, which, with several other towns, revolted with him. Tanoa engaged to make Phillips King of Rewa, as soon as the present King and Ratu Nggara were killed. A plot for their assassination was accordingly set on foot, but discovered, and the chief agent killed. In Nukui also some were treacherous, and conspired to burn the town and kill Phillips ; but this plan, too, came to nothing. The war was prosecuted with great vigour by both parties ; but especially by the Mbau people, who burned several towns, and made great havoc among the plantations and gardens of the adherents of Rewa. Day after day, and sometimes all day long, the sound of mus- ketry was heard at the Mission-house, and often the more dreadful noise of the death-drum struck dismay into the listeners, as it told of the cannibal orgies which were taking place near their door. ^Ibau was generally victorious ; but the others frequently pounced upon individ- uals while fishing or planting; and whether their victim was man, woman, or child, the same noisy demonstration of fiendish glee took place. For seven long months the Missionary worked daily in the printing-ofiice, surrounded by war, yet glad that, even in these circum- stances, he could be sending a supply of truth to other islands where there was peace. His position was rendered more painful by the commu- nication with Viwa being cut off, in consequence of some white men help- ing in the cause of Rewa, and thus setting Mbau at enmity with all the white residents. The indignant fury of the Rewans was greatly heightened by the slaughter and cooking of several of their Chiefs by the enemy, and the war was waged with greater energy than ever. The Mbau party ap- proached very near the Mission Station, and a small town on that side of the river had to be vacated. Some foreigners lining near the Station fled across to Rewa, and the Missionary was strongly urged to do the same. His position was responsible and trying, placed as he was, with all the materials of his printing establishment and considerable prop- erty under his care, in houses easily burnt, surrounded by war, and not able to take counsel with his brother Missionary, who was within a few miles. Exposure to marauding parties, employed by the Mbau Chief, but not under his control ; and the jealous suspicions of some in Rewa, who considered the fence and house as offering a shelter for the enemy — made the risk of remaining very great. Loss of many things in effecting a removal was certain ; and a residence in the town of Rewa might be dangerous. It was, therefore, firmly resolved upon to remain with the property, and only run in the event of imminent peril. The