104 CUSTOMS OF THE FEEJEE GROUP. 
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 con- 
tract 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. He also found 
that a desire was evinced that he should not go further in the vessel. 
In consequence, Paddy, while on the way to Kantavu, mentioned his 
suspicions to Captain Bachelor, and advised him to be on his guard. 
When they arrived at Kantavu, they proceeded to a small island near 
its eastern end, where the biche de mar house was erected, and a 
chief of the island was, as usual, taken on board as a hostage. The 
day after he came on board, he feigned sickness, and was, in conse- 
quence, permitted to go on shore. He departed with such unusual 
exhibitions of friendly disposition, as served to confirm Paddy’s pre- 
vious suspicions ; but he felt assured that all would be safe so long as 
the captain remained on board. 
On the following morning, (Sunday,) Vendovi came off, saying that 
the young chief was very sick, and he wanted the captain to come to 
the biche de mar house, where he said he was, to give him some 
medicine. In this house eight of the men were employed, of whom 
two were Sandwich Islanders. The captain was preparing to go 
ashore with the medicine, when Paddy stepped aft to him, and told 
him that to go on shore was as much as his life was worth, for he was 
sure that the natives intended to kill him, and to take all their lives. 
The captain in consequence remained on board, but the mate went on 
shore, and took with him the bottle of medicine. Vendovi went in the 
boat, and landed with the mate, but could not conceal his disappoint- 
ment that the captain did not come also. Paddy now was convinced, 
from the arrangements that had been made to get the people and boats 
away from the brig, that the intended mischief was about to be con- 
summated. He therefore kept a sharp look-out upon the shore, and 
soon saw the beginning of an affray, the mate, Mr. Chitman, killed, 
and the building in flames. The others were also slain, with the ex- 
ception of James Housman, who had been engaged at the same me 
with Paddy, and who swam off, and was taken on board. Those in 
the brig opened a fire from the great guns, but without effect. 
On the following day Paddy was employed to bargain with the 
natives for the bodies, seven of which were brought down to the shore 
