260 A MISSION TO VITI. 



boys and young men hastened to the forest to dig wild 

 yams, and catch crabs for the voyage ; whilst the old men 

 busied themselves about the canoes and other matters 

 requiring more skill and experience. Eitova's warriors 

 were all able-bodied men with fine athletic frames, and 

 well armed. A collision with them would have been 

 attended with fatal consequences. They were much ex- 

 asperated at the proposal of the Tonguese to dispose of 

 their relations and friends in the manner detailed, and 

 were quite ready to make a desperate stand against the 

 enemy. Mr. Pritchard thought it advisable to send an 

 official letter to Maafu, informing him that Eitova was 

 about to be restored to his own island, and reminding 

 him that, in accordance with the document signed, an 

 attack on the life and property of any Fijian would not 

 be permitted. 



All being ready for starting, on the 26th of October 

 sails were set. The schooner ' Paul Jones ' had to go 

 outside the reef encircling the eastern shores of Vanua 

 Levu, whilst the canoes, not drawing so much water, 

 were able to avail themselves of the advantage of going 

 inside. Toward sunset of the following day, Naduri was 

 reached, where Bete, the chief placed n in possession of 

 Eitova's estates by Maafu, resided. To prevent future 

 complications it was necessary to come to some arrange- 

 ment with him, and a message was dispatched to request 

 his attendance on board. Contrary to expectation, he 

 refused to attend, but was ready to see us on shore. As 

 this would have been a concession implying weakness, 

 a message was sent to the principal landholders (Mata 

 ni vanua) that they might come to receive a communica- 



