ad to see us trying to get away. But
about four miles on our way, we met a large party of Miaki's men, all
armed, and watching as outposts. Some were for shooting us, but others
hesitated. Every musket was, however, raised and leveled at me. Faimungo
poised his great spear and said, "No, you shall not kill Missi to-day.
He is with me." Having made this flourish, he strode off after his own
men, and my Aneityumese followed, leaving me face to face with a ring of
leveled muskets.

Sirawia, who was in command of this party, and who once, like Nowar, had
been my friend, said to me, Judas like, "My love to you, Missi." But he
also shouted after Faimungo, "Your conduct is bad in taking the Missi
away; leave him to us to be killed!" I then turned upon him, saying,
"Sirawia, I love you all. You must know that I sought only your good. I
gave you medicine and food when you and your people were sick and dying
under measles; I gave you the very clothing you wear. Am I not your
friend? Have we not often drunk tea and eaten together in my house? Can
you stand there and see your friend shot? If you do, my God will punish
you severely."

He then whispered something to his company which I did not hear; and,
though their muskets were still raised, I saw in their eyes that he had
restrained them. I therefore began gradually to move backwards, still
keeping my eyes fixed on them, till the bush hid them from my view,
whereon I turned and ran after my party, and God kept the enemy from
following. We trusted in Jehovah Jesus, and pressed on in flight.

A second hostile party encountered us, and with great difficulty we also
got away from them. Soon thereafter a friendly company crossed our path.
We learned from them that the enemies had slaughtered other two of
Manuman's men, and burned several villages with fire. Another party of
the enemy encountered us, and were eager for our lives. But this time
Faimungo withstood them firmly, his men encircled us, and he said, "I am
not afraid now, Missi; I am feeling stronger near my own land!"

CHAPTER XXXIX.
FAINT YET PURSUING.

HURRYING still onwards, we came to that village on their high ground
called Aneai, _i. e._ Heaven. The sun was oppressively hot, the path
almost unshaded, and our whole party very exhausted, especially
Faimungo, carrying his load of stolen goods. So here he sat down on the
village dancing-ground for a smoke, saying, "Missi, I am near my own
land now. We can rest with