150 POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
of these united bands met, and arrested the pro¬ 
gress of the hitherto victorious idolaters. One of 
Mahine’s men, Raveae,* pierced the body of Upu- 
fara, the chief of Papara, and the commander-in¬ 
chief of the idolatrous forces. The wounded war¬ 
rior fell, and shortly afterwards expired. As he 
sat gasping on the sand, his friends gathered 
round, and endeavoured to stop the bleeding of the 
wound, and afford every assistance his circum¬ 
stances appeared to require. “ Leave me,” said 
the dying warrior; “ mark yonder man, in front of 
Mahine’s ranks ; he inflicted this wound ; on him 
revenge my death.” Two or three athletic men 
instantly set off for that purpose. Raveae was 
retiring towards the main body of Mahine’s men, 
when one of the idolaters, who had outrun his 
companions, sprang upon him before he was aware 
of his approach. Unable to throw him on tha 
sand, he cast his arms around his neck, and en 
deavoured to strangle, or at least to secure his 
prey, until some of his companions should arrive, 
and despatch him. Raveae was armed with a 
short musket, which he had reloaded since wound¬ 
ing the chief; of this, it is supposed, the man who 
held him was unconscious. Extending his arms 
forward, Raveae passed the muzzle of his musket 
under his own arm, suddenly turned his body on 
one side, and, pulling the trigger of his piece at 
the same instant, shot his antagonist through the 
body, who immediately lost hold of his prey, and 
fell dying to the ground. 
The idolatrous army continued to fight with 
obstinate fury, but were unable to advance, or 
make any impression on Mahine and Pomare- 
* In 1818 this individual accompanied us to Huahine 9 
where he died a short time before I left the islands. 
