REW A. 155 
he was once sent to kill a native by the king’s order, upon which he 
went to the person’s house, and told him that “The king has sent me 
to kill you;” to which he replied, “It is good only that I should die.” 
Phillips struck, but only stunned him, after which he returned, and 
told the king he had not succeeded in killing him. When the man 
recovered, Phillips was again sent back, and succeeded in giving 
him his deathblow, which he received with the same resignation as 
before. Notwithstanding his bad traits, he is certainly one of the 
most intelligent natives that I have met with in all Polynesia. He 
possesses much information respecting his own people, and would, if 
the king allowed it, be the means of effecting many improvements. 
He has already introduced some into his own establishment, and is 
very desirous of learning, but he unfortunately has not sufficient 
knowledge to distinguish between good and evil. He visits all the 
vessels that touch at this group, and says that he passes most of his 
time on board of them. He produces many recommendations from 
their commanders, which, besides recommending him, give the very 
salutary precaution of always being on their guard while among these 
natives. 
The prisoners on board the Peacock were early in motion on the 
following morning, looking anxiously for the return of Ngaraningiou; 
and many speculations were thrown out as to whether he would 
succeed in his errand, or connive at the escape of Vendovi. The 
hatred he was known to bear Vendovi, was in favour of his return 
with him, either dead or alive. These surmises were shortly put to 
rest, by the appearance of the large canoe emerging from the mouth 
of the river, which drew all to watch its approach. It soon came 
alongside, and Vendovi was recognised as a prisoner on board. The 
mode of his capture was singular, and shows the force of the customs 
to which all ranks of this people give implicit obedience. Ngaranin- 
giou, on arriving at Rewa, went at once to Vendovi’s house, and took 
him by surprise. Going in, he took his seat by him, laid his hand on 
his arm, and told him that he was wanted, and that the king had sent 
for him to go on board the man-of-war. He immediately assented, 
and was preparing to come at once, but Ngaraningiou said, “ Not till 
to-morrow.” ‘They passed the evening and night together, and in the 
morning embarked to come on board. 
Vendovi was at once brought on board and delivered to Captain 
Hudson, who forthwith examined him before the king and chiefs, and 
in the presence of the officers of the ship, assembled in the cabin. 
Vendovi acknowledged his guilt in causing the murder of part of the 
crew of the Charles Doggett, and admitted that he had held the mate 
