t, when
I told him of my determination. "Surely the prayers of a believing man
are of more avail than the strong arm of the bravest of warriors. It is
a trial of your faith, certainly; but oh, pray that your faith may not
waver."

While I had been consulting with Mr Bent, I found that a herald from
the enemy had arrived with a demand that the Princess Alea should be
forthwith delivered up to his master, and threatening the king and all
his adherents with utter destruction if he refused compliance.

"Tell your chief that once I was in the dark as he is. Then I thought
it no sin to give him my daughter; now I have light, and see my
wickedness and folly. When he has light, he likewise will see as I do.
My daughter cannot be his wife." This bold speech seemed to astonish
the herald, who, having repeated his threats, took his departure.

Active preparations were now commenced for the defence of the
settlement, and such fortifications as the natives use were thrown up on
all sides. Slight as they may appear, they are capable of offering a
considerable resistance, and on one occasion, in the island of
Tongatabu, a brave English naval officer and several of his men lost
their lives in an attack on one of them held by a rebel and heathen
chief who had set at defiance the authority of King George.

As evening drew on we could see the enemy on the sand-bank, dancing
round large fires which they had kindled, the sound of their war-shrieks
and shouts, and the blowing of their conch-shells reaching us through
the calm night air. Meantime the missionary repaired to the church,
which during the night was visited at intervals by the whole Christian
population. The king also sat frequently in council with his chiefs.
One of the youngest, who had, however, greatly distinguished himself,
arose and proposed leading a band of chosen warriors to attack the enemy
before they commenced their march in the morning.

"While they are singing and dancing, they will not keep a good watch,
and thus we may approach them without being discovered. Jehovah will
aid us. It is Satan fights for them. We will prove which is the
strongest."

All approved the words of the young chief, and he had no lack of
volunteers. About two hundred men were chosen and well armed; they at
once set out on their hazardous exploit. They had resolved to conquer
and save their brethren or die, and yet, perhaps, there was not one who
did not expect to be victor