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CUSTOMS OF THE FEEJEE GROUP. 103 
the chiefs, to which each is required to bring a pig. On these occa- 
sions Tanoa, from pride and ostentation, always furnishes a human 
body. 
A whale’s tooth is about the price of a human life, even when the 
party slain is of rank, as will be shown by the following anecdotes. 
Rivaletta, the youngest son of Tanoa, while passing along the north 
end of Ovolau in his canoe, descried a fishing party. He at once 
determined to possess himself of what they had taken, and for this 
purpose dashed in among them, and fired his musket. The shot killed 
a young man, who proved to be a nephew of Tui Levuka, the chief of 
Ovolau, and was recognised by some of Rivaletta’s followers. 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 there- 
upon 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 countrymen, 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 proceed- 
ings 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. 
