MALOLO. . 307 
fruit of the mangrove (Rhizophora), which the women were seen 
gathering. Tui Mbua had forewarned his guests that he had no luxu- 
ries to give them. 
They had a comfortable mbure, however, to sleep in, and supped 
upon yams. The labour of transporting all 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 company. 
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 inhim. He always, however, declined doing so unless they were 
alone, for fear he should lose his influence with his countrymen. 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 exertions. 
Captain Hudson, as has been seen, had proceeded with the Peacock 
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 by 
his warriors and people, armed, who all appeared much agitated and 
alarmed at the second visit of the ship. Every thing was, however, 
done that could be to quiet his fears, but not with much success. 
