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THE TONGA ISLANDS,

211

very much dejected, and sent to his aunt , Toe Oomoo (the chief of the enemy), requesting tohave his wife returned, stating, that it was aWar between men, and not women ; but his re-monstrances had no effect. These women bothlaboured under the jealousy and tyrannic in-fluence of Moonga Toobo, Finows favouritewife: partly to rid themselves of this, andpartly to visit and live with relations they had inthe opposite garrison, they made their escape,and took a by road near the sea-shore. Onthe morning of their departure, Mr. Marinerwas at some distance from Neafoo, gatheringshaddocks in a thicket: for, although his wounddid not allow him to use any active exertions,yet he now and then went abroad by the helpof a stick, which, no doubt, was one cause thatrendered the cure very tedious. Being up in atree, he heard a rustling noise in the bushesbelow, and, directing his attention to the spot,was surprised to see one of Finows wives.Prompted by curiosity, he came quickly down,and, seizing her by the arm, inquired whatcaused her to stray so far from the fortress, andto expose her person and her life to the insultsand cruelty of the enemy: she replied, that shehad only come out for a walk, and was goingshortly to return. To this account he objected,that it was too far, and too dangerous a walk

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