n the volcano, thereby bringing all these troubles and curses."

Another Chief vindicated himself and others thus:--"Karapanamun, the
Aurumanu or great Evil Spirit of Tanna, whom we all fear and worship, is
causing these troubles; for he knows that if we become worshipers of
your Jehovah God, we cannot continue to fear him, or present him with
the best of everything, as our forefathers have always done; he is angry
at you and at us all."

The fear of the deaths and troubles being ascribed to them silenced
their talk against us for a season; but very little made them either
friends or foes, as the next event will too painfully show.

Nowhat, an old Chief of the highest rank from Aneityum, who spoke
Tannese and was much respected by the natives all round the south side
of Tanna, came on a visit to our island. After returning home, he became
very ill and died in a few days. The deluded Tannese, hearing of his
death, ascribed it to me and the Worship, and resolved to burn our house
and property, and either murder the whole Mission party, or compel us to
leave the island. Nowhat's brother was sent from Aneityum to talk to the
Tannese and conciliate them, but unfortunately he could not speak the
language well; and the Aneityumese Teachers felt their lives to be at
this time in such danger that they durst not accompany him as
interpreters, while I, on the other hand, did not understand his
language, nor he, mine. Within two days after landing, he had a severe
attack of ague and fever; and, though the vessel he came in remained
eight days, he was prostrated all the time, so that his well-intentioned
visit did us much harm. The Tannese became furious. This was proof
positive that we were the cause of all their sickness and death! Inland
and all along the weather side of the island, when far enough away from
us, they said that the natives were enjoying excellent health. Meeting
after meeting was held; exciting speeches were delivered; and feasts
were given, for which it was said that several women were sacrificed,
cooked and eaten,--such being the bonds by which they entered into
covenant with each other for life or death.

The inhabitants for miles around united in seeking our destruction, but
God put it into even savage hearts to save us. Old Nowar, the Chief
under whom we lived, and the Chief next under him, Arkurat, set
themselves to rescue us. Along with Manuman and Sirawia they opposed
every plan in the public assembly f