Page:An account of the natives of the Tonga Islands.djvu/173

Rh THE TONGA ISLANDS. 1Q7 cocoa nuts, were attacked by a larger party of the enemy, when one man was killed, but the rest escaped back to the colo. Upon this, a body of two hundred set out, (Mr. Mariner among them,) in pursuit of the enemy : they found them, and were kept at a running fight, till they were decoyed beyond a place where another party lay concealed, who immediately rose, attacked them in the rear, and killed about thirty. The Hapai people now began to run, and Mr. Mariner with four of the natives who were engaged with another party, found it necessary to decamp also : in crossing a field of high grass, Mr. Mariner fell into a hole six feet deep ; his four faithful friends were resolved to save him, and three defended the place with their spears, while one helped him out : one of the three was killed on the spot. Being extri- cated from his perilous situation, and finding a large body of the enemy close upon them, they resolved to sell their lives to the utmost advan- tage. At this moment, their own party looking round and seeing these four bravely make a stand, came up with all speed to their assist- ance, and a general battle took place, which was obstinately fought for some time, but at length the enemy was completely put to the rout. Whilst this was going forward, a Hapai chief at some distance from their friends met a