Page:Williams and Calvert, Fiji and the Fijians, New York, 1860.djvu/382

352 FIJI AND THE FIJIANS. Mbau was now filled with rejoicing. Phillips was named King of Rewa, and began at once to use his power by killing some who ha submitted to him since the massacre. But he was by no means securely placed. He had made many enemies, and his brother, the bold and spirited Eatu Nggara, though a fugitive, was no mean foe. From his mountain refuge, he sent offerings, begging for his life ; but he refused to leave his fastness and place himself in the power of those who had so lately been enraged at his escape, and who still thirsted for his bloods In the meantime he was not idle, but gathered about him many follow- ers, who attacked several towns. Growing stronger, he tried his power on a town near where Eewa had stood, and succeeded in taking it. At this juncture he formed an alliance with the large district of Nakelo, which was quarrelling with Mbau, and found himself still further strengthened by the arrival of many of his own people. On a fixed day, he gathered his forces on the site of Rewa, and rapidly put up a fence and a few huts, and proceeded at once to rebuild the town. While this was going on, the Missionaries received a message from Eatu Nggara's people, from which they learned that they were not forgotten, and further, that many of the late calamities were attributed to the rejection of the Gospel. On September 1st, 1847, the town was again burnt by the JSIbau people, and many were slain ; but Eatu Nggara once more escaped to the mountains. Some time afterwards, according to Fijian custom, Eewa was formally rebuilt by its destroyers, and Phillips again ap- pointed King, though he continued to reside at Nukui. The people generally were obedient to Mbau and their new King, but some held intercourse with Eatu Nggara in his exile, urging him to come and take the government. He, however, remained in the mountains, escaping several attempts made on his life, until the year 1851, when, finding himself strengthened by many adherents, he entered Eewa, was de- clared by the people to be their King, and set Mbau and his brother at defiance. The town was attacked again and again, but without success. The new King found his power established on a firmer basis, and re- ceived large stores of ammunition from foreign vessels for which he had procured supplies. Mr. Calvert, from Viwa, had visited Eatu Nggara duruig his exile, and tried hard to bring about the establishment of peace. He had also been constantly using his influence with the Mbau Chief to spare the life of his enemy. When Eatu Nggara returned to Eewa, the Mission- ary visited him and went across the ri er with him, to see Mrs. Cargill's grave at Zoar. In October, 1852, a Native Teacher was sent from