Page:Williams and Calvert, Fiji and the Fijians, New York, 1860.djvu/514

 480 FIJI AOTD THE FIJIANS. upon help. A good fence and embankment at Ndravuni were nobly defended in many attacks by the Viwans, who lost none of their number. Thus was the destroying course of the enemy stayed and kept at a distance ; and the deliverance was clearly traceable to the peril in which Mr. Calvert had been placed at Motur/ki, and the circumstances that followed. Often he had wondered why he had been placed in such terrible danger ; but now he saw the good that was brought out of it, and gave God thanks. Prevented from approaching Mbau, as they had intended, the hostile forces gathered at Kamba, which is at the point of the promontory forming the bay in which Mbau is situated. By a telescope the hills at Kamba could be seen covered with the enemy, while a fleet was carry- ing the troops to Thautata, whence they could easily reach the city. But another danger sprang up within Mbau itself. There were many who had smarted under Thakombau's former unscrupulous and cruel exercise of power, and who were ready to take advantage of his present straits, to obtain revenge. Among these was Nayangondamu, a Chief but little inferior in rank to the King, who had killed his father. A rumour reached Mr. Waterhouse that Nayangondamu was in league with the besiegers, and intended to assassinate Thakombau in the chapel, or on the way thither, on the coming Sabbath. The Missionary at once removed his family and the wives of the Teachers to Viwa for safety, while he himself remained, anxiously waiting for the appointed day. He had an interview with Nayangondamu, and acknowledged Thakom- bau's past guilt, but asked that his life might be spared for the sake of the lotu, which would suffer if he were removed. The Chief promised that he would do him no harm ; but the Missionary knew too well the value of a Fijian promise to be reassured by it. The bell was rung for service; but, for some time, no one dared to come. At last, a few armed men gathered outside. Presently the King, attended by an armed guard, arrived, llien came his cousin, similarly accompanied, and entered the chapel. One of the King's men, with a loaded musket, stood as sentinel. It was a strange service. Every man was too busy watching and suspecting his neighbour, to attend to the preacher, who speedily dismissed his congregation, and thanked God that no outrage had been committed. This crisis over, the King prepared for action. Forces were still being landed at Tliautata. Tliakombau, with twenty canoes, sailed out, scattered the enemy's fleet, and routed the troops. The Missionaries took great pains to keep friendly with both sides, and Mr. Waterhouse regularly visited Kamba, though often at the risk of his life; for his residence at Mbau, and friendship with its King,