THE TONGA ISLANDS. 239 Hapai islands, when he received his long wished-for present ; but he made no use of it till about three weeks afterwards, when he had returned to Vavaoo. In the mean time Mac- capapa, Lolo hea Bibigi, and three others, all chiefs and warriors, secretly left Vavaoo, and sailed for Tonga, to join Taky^ chief of the fortress of Bea (who formerly burnt Finow's fortress of Nioocalofa in so treacherous a man- ner). They took this step, being apprehensive that the king might hereafter wreak his ven- geance on them for fighting against him : the sequel will show how far their apprehensions were well grounded. Whilst Finow was yet at the Hapai islands^ Mr. Mariner accompanied the prince to the island of Tofooa, to procure iron-wood, which is found there in great abundance. The prince first obtained leave from Tooitonga, (the divine chief,) for this island is his property, and therefore considered sacred ; besides, it is sup- posed to be the residence of the sea gods, and on this account the people firmly believe that no sharks will hurt a man who is swimming near upon its coast, but, on the contrary, swim round him, and even pass so close as to touch him, without shewing the least hungry dispo- sition. Mr. Mariner, however, never had an
