MALOLO. 325 



fruit of the mangrove (Rhizophora), which the women were seen 

 gathering. Tui Mbua had forewarned his guests that he had no 

 luxuries to give them. 



They had a comfortable mbure, however, to sleep in, and supped 

 upon yams. The labour of transporting ail the water and provisions 

 up the ascent falls upon the women. 



In the town of Tui Mbua, were the two Feejee chiefs of Sualib 

 Bay whom I had freed ; they proved to be the friends and allies of 

 the old king, and at their request they were landed to pay him a visit, 

 and thence to proceed homeward. 



In the evening they were entertained with a Feejee dance by the 

 men, which consisted in movements of the body, arms, legs, and head, 

 not ungraceful. The dancers had evidently practised a great deal 

 together. The glowing light of the bamboo torches on their dark 

 skins and fine forms, decked in their pure white turbans (sala), with 

 the crowd gathered around, produced a fine effect, A few girls 

 were also induced to dance, but they did not do so well, for want of 

 practice. 



With the assistance of David Whippy, they got rid of the old king 

 almost by force, as he was inclined to pass the night in their com- 

 pany. Tui Mbua has always been a great friend of the whites. They 

 returned on board the next day. 



At Lecumba Point, where many of the natives were frequently 

 gathered, the ambati or priest was induced to shake as if the spirit 

 was in him. He always, however, declined doing so unless they 

 were alone, for fear he should lose his influence with his country- 

 men. His first operation was to put every muscle in full tension, 

 clenching his fists and placing his feet apart. This done, he would 

 begin to shake with great violence, the muscles of his legs becoming 

 so much excited, that involuntary motions continued for some time 

 afterwards. A small present was usually made him for these exer- 

 tions. 



Captain Hudson, as has been seen, had proceeded with the Pea- 

 cock to Muthuata. As soon as he arrived at that place, he went on 

 shore to visit the king, and demanded of him Hugh M'Bride, a 

 deserter from one of the surveying boats. He was the second man 

 who had attempted to leave the squadron for the purpose of taking 

 up his abode among these cannibals. 



The king disclaimed all knowledge of his desertion, and promised 

 to have him sought after. The king's house was found surrounded 



vol. in. 82 



