Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1893 edition. Excerpt: ...touched by the missionary's determination to remain with him. He at last yielded to milder counsels, and sought to make peace with his enemies; but they rejected his advances. Mr. Calvert's position was one of great difliculty, and of not a little danger. He was well known as the firm friend of the Vunivalu, while he also passed freely to and fro among his foes. Two months after Thakombau's turning, Calvert had a very narrow escape. Journeying from one place to another in the interests of peace, he determined to call, on his way home, at the island of Moturiki, to warn the people there that the Ovalau chief was about to attack them. He himself thus describes his peril and escape: --" We found that the tide did not serve well for landing; we therefore steered towards the entrance in the reef leading to Viwa. One of my boat's crew observed a man on the Motmiki beach beckoning to us, and told me. I desired one of my Rotumans to go on shore, as it was a long distance for me to wade, and we would put in at another point for him, where I would see the people. He got in the water, and was proceeding towards the shore, when he observed several persons come out from among the cocoa-nut trees. He was afraid, and said, ' They are from Lovoni a mountain district in Ovalau, and will kill me.' I requested him to come into the boat. The man continued to call. He was dressed, which led me to think he was a man from Mbau who had lotued. I did not like to let the opportunity pass, and immediately got on my old water shoes. I did not believe them to be Lovonians; but said to the boat's crew that, should I be killed, they were to return to Levuka, so that Tui Levuka might get my body. Kaitu, a Rotuman, wished to...
