Page:Williams and Calvert, Fiji and the Fijians, New York, 1860.djvu/427

 EEWA AOT) MB ATI. 395 Verani was notorious as a Chief of desperate daring and horrible cruelty. The fact, too, that Viwa was receiving frequent visits from people of other islands, united with the rest to make it a most desirable place for the establishment of a Mission, until the way to Mbau was opened. Such a remarkable man as Namosimalua, the Viwan Chief, deserves more particular mention. In all the Fijian wars of his time he had taken active part, and his great shrewdness and foresight made him the very Ulysses of the conspirators in the great rebellion. It was he who gave the counsel to kill the old King's stripling son, who afterwards proved the prudence of the advice by crushing the whole revolt. When Tanoa fled, Namosimalua was chosen to pursue him, receiving as a reward, Vatea, a young lady of rank, niece of the King, together with six whales' teeth.* He with his party reached the island of Koro, while Tanoa was there on his flight to Somosomo. Namosi had a plan of his own, and, instead of going at once where he had reason to believe the King was, landed at another part of the island. While his people were eager to carry on the pursuit, he delayed them by preparing food, and assuring them that the next day would be soon enough. In the meantime he secretly sent a messenger to Tanoa, warning him of his danger ; and, when, in the morning, he and his followers renewed the chase, they saw the King sailing away out of their reach towards Somo- somo, where he would soon be safe among his relatives. Returning to Mbau with a show of great chagrin, Namosi asked for a fleet in which he might at once sail to Somosomo and demand the person of the fugitive King. With a large party he went, and, as he fully expected, got nothing but a flat refusal. He had, however, accomplished his own object. He had convinced the other rebel Chiefs of his devotion to their cause, while he gained the friendship of the King, which was to serve him well when matters took the turn which he saw could not be far off". When Thakombau overcame the rebellion and brought his father back, Namosi was spared when the other revolted Chiefs fell, and Tanoa would never consent to his death, much as it was urged by Thakombau, who could not forget the advice given that he himself should be slain. Many, though astonished at Namosi's escape, remained ignorant of the secret cause of Tanoa's friendship for him. Thakombau never forgave him ; and, fifteen years afterwards, Mr. Calvert had to plead hard that the Chief's life might be spared. When Namosimalua died, Thakombau exclaimed, " There ! you have escaped without the club falling on your head ! " 26
 * Vah-ta-ah, the Feejeea/n, Princess. Hamilton.