26o TJie Triumphs of the Gospel in Fiji, 
anity. Yet still, the missionaries strove the more to conquei 
this spirit of opposition. Mr. Lyth, having received a 
medical training, had opportunity to show kindness to many 
patients ; and among them, to the chief and his son. Some- 
times they would appear to be grateful and softened, at 
other times they would be moody and sullen. On one 
occasion, the old chief, upon being spoken to faithfully 
about his sinful course, seized hold of his club to kill Mr. 
Lyth. The latter gentleman fled, leaving his coat-tail in 
the old man's hands, consoling himself for this awkward 
loss, by remembering that he had thus saved his life. On 
another occasion, Tuikilakila went to Mr. Hunt, and felt his 
- limbs all over, to see if he were fat enough to be eaten. 
One day, Mrs. Hunt sat watching some stores, meant both 
for food and barter; for the Fijians being so uncivilized, the 
missionaries were compelled to keep a good supply of things 
for barter, in place of money wherewith to buy. A native 
determined to steal some of these stores, but was so savage 
with Mrs. Hunt's patient watch over the goods, that he 
lifted up his hatchet to kill her. She dared not cry out for 
help, for at the first sound from her lips, the hatchet would 
have descended into her skull. But although inwardly 
trembling, she sat and steadfastly watched him, meanwhile 
supplicating to God to stop the man from carrying out his 
murderous intention. Suddenly, the man dropped his 
hatchet, and sat down ; he was not suffered to strike her. 
Still, very little success came, in response to their labours 
and efforts. Sometimes the assemblies of those who 
gathered to hear them preach, were reinforced by some 
neighbouring islanders, but none of the congregations could 
be depended upon for regular attendance. Yet, the mis- 
sionaries could not wholly feel that they had laboured in 
- vain, or expended their strength for nought. Then, too, Mr 
