How the Gospel was FU'st Carried. 269 
as us." At length, however, circumstances arose which made 
it polite for the king to interfere, and a peace was arranged. 
Soon after this, Mr. Waterhouse was preaching in the 
house of a fisherman at Mbau — a house granted by the king 
for the purpose of holding service — when a heavy shower 
of stones shook the frail structure, and threatened injury to 
the worshippers. Then, Thakombau's little son professed 
Christianity, and was permitted by his father to do so ; but 
in all this man's conduct, there was such a curious mixture 
of friendliness and hatred, that it seems difficult to assign 
any ruling motive to him. At the death of his father 
'Tanoa, he permitted the usual strangling customs to be 
carried out, only causing a less number to be destroyed, in 
deference to the missionary's remonstrances. At the cere- 
monies observed on the occasion of Thakombau's instalment 
in his father's offices and dignities, several men were killed 
in order to be eaten. Mr. Calvert remonstrated, begged, 
and entreated ; but in vain. They selected their victims, 
killed them, and partially cooked them. Other white 
residents added their remonstrances and entreaties, when 
the remains, cooked and uncooked, all mangled as they 
were, were given up for burial. 
Wars and disturbances increased so sadly, that Thakom- 
bau felt his power passing from him rapidly. At one time, 
a design for murdering him was entertained by some dis- 
affected chiefs and their friends. Then he suffered from 
illness, and in many other ways was convinced of the futility 
of resisting the course of God's providence. Simultaneously 
with his illness, the chief Tuikilakila, of Somo Somo, was 
assassinated, and Mr. Calvert reasoned with him about the 
matter. In reply to Thakombau's description of the mur- 
der, the missionary said, " Yes, Tuikilakila was long warned 
by God's faithful servants ; but he hardened his heart and 
