Page:Williams and Calvert, Fiji and the Fijians, New York, 1860.djvu/511

VIWA AXD MBAtr. 477 pointed at me, with desperate looks. I trembled ; but protested loudly and firmly that they ought not to kill me ; that in me there was no cause of death from them ; that their killing me would be greatly to their disgrace. I was surrounded by upwards of a hundred. The features of one I recognised, and hoped he was friendly. (This man had thought that it was my boat, and he, knowing the exasperated state of the people against the whites for meddling in the present wars, fearing that I should be in danger, had run towards me ; but was late in reach- ing me from having run a sharp shell into his foot.) He took hold of me, recognising me as the husband of the lady of the wooden house at Viwa, who had frequently purchased food of them, and treated them kindly, and he said I should live. I clung to him, and disputed for my life with those who clamoured for my death. Another man's face, through a thick covering of soot, exhibited features familiar to me : but a fearful-looking battle-axe he held in his hand attracted my eye. How ever, I laid hold of him, and advised and urged them not to kill me. Thus I was between two who might be friendly. I told my name, my work, my labours in various ways, again and again, on their behalf; my having offered Tui Levuka a very large looking-glass if he would let them alone ; my having entreated Mara and the Mountaineers not to attack them, and my preventing an intended attack. I told them that I had interceded with the Mbau Chief to send them the help by which they were now strengthened, and that my full knowledge of being one and friendly with them led me to come on shore ; that no white man who had been active in the war against them would have dared to come on shore there. Matters were in a hopeful state, when a very ugly man drew near with great vehemence. Many had avowed themselves in my favour. He appeared resolutely determined, in spite of opposition, to take away my life. He was extremely ferocious ; but his arms were seized and held by several. He struggled hard for a length of time to get his musket to bear on me, which indeed he once or twice managed, but it was warded off before he could fire. At length his rage subsided. All then consented to my living. But their thirst for killing had got up ; and, as they could not kill me, they wished me to return towards the boat, intending to accompany me, hoping to get one or more of my natives in my stead. I refused to go, and persisted in approaching towards the shore, led by two. One untied my neckcloth, and took it. They pulled my coat, felt me, and I fully expected to be stripped. My trousers were wet and heavy. I was weak with talking and disputing with them, indeed quite hoarse. As we still went on in the sea, they commenced their death song,