Page:The crater; or, Vulcan's peak.djvu/346

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/06 THE CRATER; colony, by resorting to an expedient that might do well enough for a short time, but which would certainly bring its own punishment in the end. Still, an accession of physical force, properly directed, would be of great use in this early age of the colony. The labourers were accordingly engaged; but this was done by the government, which not only took the control of the men, but which also engaged to see them paid the promised remuneration. Another good was also anticipated from this arrangement. The two groups must exist as friends or as enemies. So long as young Ooroony reigned, it was thought there would be little difficulty in maintaining ami cable relations; and it was hoped that the intercourse cre ated by this arrangement, aided by the trade in sandal- wood, might have the effect to bind the natives to the whites by the tie of interest. The vessels lay at Betto s group a fortnight, completing all the arrangements made ; though the Rancocus sailed on her voyage as soon as the terms of the treaty were agreed on, and the Anne was sent back to the Reef with the news that the war had terminated. As for Waally, he was obliged to place his favourite son in the hands of young Ooroony, who held the youthful chief as a hostage for^his father s good behaviour.