Page:Williams and Calvert, Fiji and the Fijians, New York, 1860.djvu/432

 400 FIJI AOT) THE FIJIAJS^S. become a kind, peaceful, and teachable man, and seemed to do what he could to help on the Mission work. Still he remained a polygamist, and, in other respects, acted so as to forbid the hope that his heart was truly changed. After a time he yielded to Thakombau's solicitation to engage in war, and led an expedition against the town of Mathuata, which had neglected to pay the customary tribute to Mbau, and was supposed to be on more intimate terms with Somosomo than Thakom- bau liked. Namosi and his people surrounded the town and cut off the supply of water, so that, after eight days, the people within, to escape death from thirst, sent a messenger to beg for mercy, promising thenceforth to render to Mbau full service. The Cliief had often been taught our Lord's Sermon, and remembered the words, "If thine enemy thirst, give him drink," and forthwith bade the besieged bring their vessels, which he and some of his people helped to fill. As this was noised abroad, it excited great astonislmaent, and was attributed to the new religion which Namosi professed. The Mathuatans then presented peace-oiferings, which were accepted, and the expedition returned to Mbau to report. The old King, Tanoa, was pleased with the result, and accepted the offerings ; but his son, Thakombau, the actual governor, was displeased at missing his revenge, saying, " Chris- tianity is powerful. Because of it, we cannot get any men to eat." It was very remarkable, that for some months past it was not known that a single person had been eaten at Mbau. Verani cared more than his uncle to please Thakombau, and remained behind at Mathuata after the others had left. Collecting an army in the neighbourhood, where he had influence, he burned a town, killed more than a hundi-ed people, and returned in triumph to Mbau. Before starting on this expedition, he promised that when he came back, he, with his Avife and followers, would lotu. He was reminded of this, and of the great dangers from which he had been preserved. " Yes," he said, " a ball went through my dress, and several came very near me. I prayed to the true God in my heart, and kept the Sabbath-day when I was engaged in the war." He was evidently disposed to leave his Hea- thenism, but the influence of his friend and Chief, Thakombau, was too great on the other side, so that he continued in the interminable wars in which Mbau was embroiled. After Namosimalua had consented to go to battle once, he could not refuse afterwards, and Thakombau did all in his power to retain the services of so skilful an ally. As yet it had been impossible for Mr. Cross, or any of the Teachers, to get an actual footing in Mbau ; but now the way seemed open. Veikoso, brother of Tanoa, had long resided at Viwa, where he became