the MacArthurs' were in charge; and the load included not only beef
and biscuit, but three or four thousand rounds of ammunition. They came
ashore in Laulii, and carried the gift to Mataafa. While they were yet
in his house a bullet passed overhead; and out of his door they could see
the Tamasese pickets on the opposite hill. Thence they made their way to
the left flank of the Mataafa position next the sea. A Tamasese
barricade was visible across the stream. It rained, but the warriors
crowded in their shanties, squatted in the mud, and maintained an excited
conversation. Balls flew; either faction, both happy as lords, spotting
for the other in chance shots, and missing. One point is characteristic
of that war; experts in native feeling doubt if it will characterise the
next. The two white visitors passed without and between the lines to a
rocky point upon the beach. The person of Moors was well known; the
purpose of their coming to Laulii must have been already bruited abroad;
yet they were not fired upon. From the point they spied a crow's nest,
or hanging fortification, higher up; and, judging it was a good position
for a general view, obtained a guide. He led them up a steep side of the
mountain, where they must climb by roots and tufts of grass; and coming
to an open hill-top with some scattered trees, bade them wait, let him
draw the fire, and then be swift to follow. Perhaps a dozen balls
whistled about him ere he had crossed the dangerous passage and dropped
on the farther side into the crow's-nest; the white men, briskly
following, escaped unhurt. The crow's-nest was built like a bartizan on
the precipitous front of the position. Across the ravine, perhaps at
five hundred yards, heads were to be seen popping up and down in a fort
of Tamesese's. On both sides the same enthusiasm without council, the
same senseless vigilance, reigned. Some took aim; some blazed before
them at a venture. Now--when a head showed on the other side--one would
take a crack at it, remarking that it would never do to "miss a chance."
Now they would all fire a volley and bob down; a return volley rang
across the ravine, and was punctually answered: harmless as lawn-tennis.
The whites expostulated in vain. The warriors, drunken with noise, made
answer by a fresh general discharge and bade their visitors run while it
was time. Upon their return to headquarters, men were covering the front
with sheets of coral limestone, t