Page:Williams and Calvert, Fiji and the Fijians, New York, 1860.djvu/433

 YIWA AND EEWA. 401 a Christian ; but when peace was restored at Mbau, he was requested to return to his own place. It was determined that a Teacher should accompany him to conduct family worship, and try to do good among the people. Thakombau's opposition to Christianity was too vigilant to allow this, and his uncle received peremptory orders to abandon his profession of religion ; while the Teacher, who was a faithful man, was compelled to leave the island. A large house at Viwa, which had been built for Veikoso, was now given to the wife of Namosimalua, who had ranked the highest in his family until the coming of Vatea. The attention paid to the new and youthful wife, enraged Ndrondrovakawai, who saw herself superseded, and, as is often the case, took revenge by proving unfaithful to her lord. As a punishment, she, with her retinue, was ordered to leave the house lately given her. She at once removed to the house of Verani. Namosi offered the empty dwelling to Mr. Cross, who, however, hesitated to accept it, although he was suffering from the unhealthy condition and situation of his present abode. As it remained unoccupied, Namosi pressed Mr. Cross to take possession of it. The lady was sent for, and the Chief said, " I have given your house to the Missionary." She replied, "' I am glad you have. If I had ten houses, I should like them all to be given to Mr. Cross." It was accordingly arranged that the Missionary should remove to Veikoso's house, and that Ndrondrova- kawai should live near her husband. Before the removal, Mr. Cross selected articles of barter equal in value to the building, and sent to Namosi to come and take payment : he, however, sent for the lady, and said, " Come and receive your property, which Mr. Cross has given for your house." He merely took two knives for himself; but, no doubt, she would never dare to dispose of the rest without his consent. After this, Mr. Cross entered the house, which his failing health made more and more desirable. In 1840, war was declared between Mbau and Somosomo. Some differences about tribute were stated as the cause ; but it was evident that Thakombau considered Somosomo too powerful for the success of his own designs. Shortly after the declaration of war, Wai Niu, cousin of Thakombau, and vasu to Somosomo, was suspected of treachery, and fled to the latter place, accompanied by a man of influence in the Mbau government. By the help of these two, Namena, a powerful district within thirty miles of Mbau, was won over to the other side. The rising of this part prevented any operations against Somosomo, and offerings were made at Mbau to the gods, and promises obtained from the priests that Thakombau should succeed against the Namenans. But