2/2 TJie Triumphs of the Gospel in Fiji, 
times. Mr. Calvert had gone aside when voyaging from Ova- 
lau, to warn the Moturiki people of the danger of massacre 
that awaited them. He says: "As I proceeded towards 
the shore, many persons made their appearance, some 
running towards me from two directions. As they neared 
me, they looked very fierce, and made gestures indicating 
evil intentions towards me, I could not get to the boat, I 
therefore ^-ent on towards the shore. One was swifter than 
rounded by upwards of loo. I recognised the features 
of one, and hoped he was friendly. He took hold of 
me, recognising me as the husband of the lady of the 
wooden house at Viwa, who had frequently purchased 
food of them, and treated them kindly, and said I should 
live. I clung to him, and disputed for life with them who 
clamoured for my death. Another man's face, through a 
thick coating of soot, exhibited features familiar to me ; but 
a fearful-looking battle-axe he held in his hand attracted my 
THAKOMBAU. 
the rest, and came near with his 
gun uplifted to strike me. I 
expostulated with him. Quickly, 
several came up with me, some 
of whom had clubs uplifted to 
club me, some with hatchets, 
some with spears raised to thrust 
at me. One came very near, 
and pointed a musket at me, 
with desperate looks. I trem- 
bled, but protested loudly and 
firmly that they ought not to 
kill me ; that in me there was 
no cause of death ; that their 
killing me would be greatly to 
their disgrace. I was sur- 
