Page:Williams and Calvert, Fiji and the Fijians, New York, 1860.djvu/503

VIWA Am) MBATJ. 469 north of Viti Levu. She was plundered and the crew taken ashore. Two boys, who were towing in the small boat, when they saw the natives board the cutter, started for Ovalau with the news. Without complaining to either Viwa or Mbau, an expedition was at once fitted out and on its way ; the white men belonging to the cutter were met returning safely ; they were taken on board, and the fleet hastened 'On to Malaki, with the intention of making such a demonstration as should punish the late outrage, and serve to protect small trading parties at other times and places. Contrary to the wish of some of the party, the King of Levuka, the chief town of Ovalau, accompanied the expedition with some natives. He had a grudge of his own against the Malaki people, and thus, when the attack was made, it was more murderous than had been intended. Fourteen were killed, and thirteen taken prisoners, among whom were several women, who were retained at Ovalau by the white men. This threw Tui Levuka and the foreigners into open opposition to Mbau and Viwa, and made their position far from safe ; for the tribe dwelling in the mountainous interior of Ovalau were the servants of Viwa, and asked permission of Elijah to avenge the recent defiance of his authority. The permission was refused. By some means, on the 20th of September, the town of Levuka was burnt ; but it never appeared that it was by the consent or knowledge of Viwa. The whites lost an immense quantity of stores in the fire, and feared lest they should sufier yet more. They accordingly supplied Tui Levuka with a considerable amount of property, whereby he should try to bribe the mountaineers to revolt fi^om Viwa. The attempt succeeded, and several Mbau carpenters who were on the island were killed, as a declaration of independence. The whole of Ovalau was thus severed from Mbau and Viwa. Elijah and Thakombau consulted together, and determined to send a messenger to the mountaineers, to win them back, if possible, to their allegiance. Elijah sent a canoe, but the crew were afiraid to land. Moturiki, an island near to Ovalau, threatened to join in the revolt ; and the Vunivalu visited it, and presented property to secure its fidelity. On his way he visited Viwa ; and Elijah felt deeply for his friend, as he saw that greater calamities would follow unless the mountaineers could be recovered. On this account, he offered to go himself to Lavoni, the town of this tribe. Mr. Calvert, knowing the danger of such an enter- prise, remonstrated. Elijah replied, " Prevent me not ; for we shall not escape unless Lavoni be regained. I sent, but they could not get ashore. I will go myself and try." He was not to be moved from his purpose. On leaving, he said, "This may be the time of my