Page:Williams and Calvert, Fiji and the Fijians, New York, 1860.djvu/515

 VIWA AjqD MBATJ. 481 exposed him to great danger. In these visits, he was much helped by Lydia, the Christian wife of Koroi Eavulo, to whose interference, on one occasion, he owed his escape from a violent death, for which prepa ration was made. At Mbau, Nayangondamu was not the only man of influence who was disposed to favour the enemy. Koli, the King of the Lasakau Fish- ermen, who inhabited part of Mbau, was known to exchange messengers in the night with Mara at Kamba. To this man Mr Calvert applied himself, while Mr Waterhouse watched and tried to influence Nayan- gondamu. The Missionaries felt much for Thakombau, whose position was most trying at this threatening crisis, and who was now thoroughly humbled before God, confessing all his many sins, and seeking that mercy he had so often rejected. At one time, when things looked darkest, Mr. Calvert urged him to seek in flight the safety which seemed other- wise impossible, and offered to supply him with all means of escape. The Kmg replied, " I cannot do that. If evil comes, I must die. But I think the Lord will deliver me. I am lotu. If I do anything to conciliate my enemies, it will be disregarded. There is one thing, which may be useful, that I desire. Do you keep close intercourse with Koli." This request was, of course, attended to ; and Mr. Calvert never went to Mbau without visiting the Lasakau Chief, and endeavouring to exercise a good influence over him. Koli received the Missionary well, and often returned his visits at Viwa. During this critical time of excitement and danger, it was arranged that Mr. Waterhouse should hoist signal-flags, which Mr. Calvert could see at Viwa, by putting a telescope through the thatch of his house. On the 23rd of October, he saw the signals. Bad neius : come over^ and set off" at once to Mbau. Just as he had crossed the island, and was about to embark, a messenger came running after him, to say that Koli had arrived at the Mission-house, and wanted to see him. Mr. Calvert sent back a request that the Chief would wait until his return, and then made haste to Mbau, where he found Mr. Waterhouse apprehending immediate danger to Thakombau, in case of which the Mission premises might be the scene of further violence. On his return to Viwa, he found Koli still waiting, and took him aside for conversation. The Chief then told him that he and his people were much annoyed at being suspected and treated in the way they were ; and that, in order to amioy the Mbau Chief, they were about to enclose their quarter of the town with a fence ; but that they intended no further mischief ; yet, as he and the Missionary were on such good terms, he thought it right to come and let him know the truth of the case, that he might not be surprised