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. MRitova’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 Ritova 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 in possession of 
Ritova’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 onshore. 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- 
