298 MALOLO. 
Ambau, with which he already had a misunderstanding, in relation to 
the young wife of old Tanoa. He therefore refused to become the ally 
of Somu-somu, but offered his mediation between the parties. This 
did not settle the affair, as will be seen in the sequel. 
The difficulty was brought to a state of open war by the capture of 
a small fishing-canoe belonging to Ambau, by the Somu-somu people, 
who killed the natives that were in it. Their bodies were afterwards 
eaten by the chiefs and people of Somu-somu, with much exultation 
and rejoicing, at a feast where the captors of the canoe were painted 
and smeared with turmeric, and dances and ava drinking concluded 
the festivities. 
Messrs. Hunt and Lythe, with their ladies, were very glad to see us, 
for they were in much trouble, as the fact of their residing at Somu- 
somu would subject them to be treated as though they were actively 
engaged in the war; for all strangers residing within the limits of the 
koro, are in time of war considered as enemies, so far as being subject 
to plunder. 
I felt a great interest about the missionaries, and regretted the absence 
of Tui Illa-illa, the acting king, who was on the island of Vanua-levu, 
gathering his warriors. Not being able to await his arrival, I had a 
long talk with his old father, Tui Thakau, whom I found sitting in his 
house, as usual, with his wives about him, all of whom asked the inter- 
preter, Tom, for red paint, (aloa.) 
I distinctly told the king, that neither the missionaries nor any other 
white men must be hurt; that if it ever occurred, or he touched a hair 
of their heads, he might rely upon it, that sooner or later, punishment 
would come upon him; I urged upon him, for his own sake, the neces- 
sity of taking care that no harm should come to them or their fami- 
lies, and spoke of the necessity of their giving them ground, and 
building them a house without the limits of the town. To all this he 
listened with great willingness, and promised to do all he could; but 
he said that his son Tui Illa-illa must be consulted, and that when he 
came back he would talk the matter over with him. He, however, 
promised that no harm should come to the missionaries. This had a 
good effect, and quieted in a measure the fears of the ladies of the 
mission. 
The old king told me he did not pretend to rule out of his own 
house, for he had become too old. He passes his time with his wives, 
muskets, and junk-bottles, of the latter of which he has a goodly 
supply, hung all around his house. His stock of them had increased 
since my last visit, the Currency Lass having, | believe, disposed of 
