CUSTOMS OF THE FEEJEE GROUP. 109 



This discovery did not prevent their carrying the body to Ambau to 

 be feasted upon ; but, in order to prevent it from being known there, 

 the face was disfigured by broiling it in the fire in the canoe. Tanoa, 

 however, soon became aware of the fact, and forthwith sent a whale's 

 tooth to Tui Levuka, as the value of his loss, together with a number 

 of little fingers, cut from the people of Ambau, as a propitiatory offer- 

 ing. The remuneration was received by Tui Levuka as sufficient, 

 and no more notice was taken of the matter. 



Before we left the group, an inferior chief ran away with one of 

 the wives of Tui Levuka. The latter immediately despatched his 

 son to the town where the chief resided, for the purpose of killing the 

 offender, which was effected, and the woman brought back. Tui 

 Levuka thereupon sent a whale's tooth and some tapa to the principal 

 chief of the town, and the affair was ended. 



When they set so little value on the lives of their own country- 

 men, it is not to be expected that they should much regard those of 

 foreigners. It is necessary, therefore, while holding intercourse with 

 them, to be continually guarded against their murderous designs, 

 which they are always meditating for the sake of the property about 

 the person, or to obtain the body for food. Several recent instances 

 are related, where crews of vessels visiting these islands have been 

 put to death. One of these, in particular, became known to me, and 

 led to certain proceedings on my part, which will form an important 

 part of the following chapter. 



The vessel in question was the American brig, Charles Doggett, 

 Captain Bachelor. I had heard of the attack upon her, and after 

 Paddy Connel paid me his first visit, of which I have before spoken, 

 I learned that he had been on board the brig at the time, and had 

 a full knowledge of all who were concerned in the transaction. I 

 therefore, on his next visit, questioned him in relation to the affair, 

 and obtained the following particulars. 



In the month of August, 1834, Paddy, with some other men, was 

 engaged by Captain Bachelor to assist in getting a cargo of biche 

 de mar. The brig then went to Rewa, where the captain made a 

 contract with Vendovi, a chief of that island, and Vasu of Kantavu, 

 for further assistance in attaining his object. Here the conduct of 

 Vendovi, Thokanauto, and other chiefs, led to the suspicion that some 

 mischief was intended ; Paddy heard rumours of the great value of 

 the articles on board the brig, accompanied by hints that the crew 

 was but small, and predictions that it would not be well with her. 



vol. in. 28 



