Page:Williams and Calvert, Fiji and the Fijians, New York, 1860.djvu/545

 MBUA. 507 by the declaration of a hundred brave men that they would die in his de- fence, he consented to accompany us to within a short distance of Na Sau, if I would engage to bring the principal men of Na Sau to the place at which he would wait for them. I engaged to do all I could to meet his proposal, and we started without delay. Tlie area appointed for the meeting was enclosed by majestic chestnut trees, at the foot of one of which I left the old Chief, and walked on to Na Sau, in company with a few unarmed men. We were kindly received ; but some of the old mien could scarcely be persuaded that we were sincere. After some debate, the Na Sau Chief, and about twenty of his men, prepared to return with us. "We pledged their safety, and every man left his arms at home. As we filed out of the Icoi-o, I overheard an old man say, encouraged the poor men, who, one after another, repeated, ' To-day we live,' as they proceeded with hastened steps to the area where Tui Mbua awaited our arrival. " I felt that the peace of the district depended on this interview, and prayed that no untoward event might occur to prevent or mar the good results I anticipated from this meeting. Knowiiig that if either party detected in the dark speaking eyes of the others anger or scorn, I might witness a scene of bloodshed instead of peace, I watched with deep anxiety the attitude of the Na Sau Chief, as he entered the flat space. He gently inclined the upper part of his body, clasped his hands, and approached Tui Mbua respectfully. My heart thrilled with joy as I looked on him. I felt assured he was sincere ; nor was I kept long in suspense as to the reception Tui Mbua would give him. The old Chief fixed his piercing eyes on him a moment, and he next sprang on his feet to meet him. He appeared to endure the kissing of his hand by the Chief of Na Sau, and, withdrawing it from his lips, cast his arms about the neck of his late enemy, and cordially embraced him. My own feelings at that moment were unutterable ; and the loud cries of joy from several of the attendants showed that I did not feel alone. The Tiliva Chief (a Christian) was so affected, that he cried out, ' We thank Thee, O Lord, for thus bringing Thy creatures into the way of life ; ' and long and loudly did he weep for gladness. " After a short pause, Tui Mbua wished me to state the purpose for which we were met, but, at my request, did so himself, in a speech quite un-Fijian for its animation, and occupying nearly half an hour in its delivery. A passage or two from it may interest you. * People of Na Sau, these are the days of strange events. I am a Christian, but of only one night's growth ; so that my mind is a heathen mind, and I am 33
 * We shall see death to-day.' I shouted aloud, ' To-day we live.' This