224 TRANSACTIONS AT mantic procession, bringing with them abund- ance of gnatoo, yams, &c. as presents to their relations. In this way they entered the fortress of Finow, and came into the king's presence on the maldi, where he was seated with his chiefs and matabooles. The Vavaoo people then laid down their spears, which were afterwards shared out to three of Finow' s principal chiefs, who again shared them out to all those below them in rank*. They seated themselves round the maldif and cava was prepai'ed, the young chiefs and warriors of Felletoa waiting on the com- pany f. All this time Finow' s men were un- armed J, (agreeably to the custom on such oc- casions) but by his orders the greater part re- mained at their houses where their arms were deposited, for he was upon his guard lest his guests had some stratagem to play: but he had merely signified to his men, that it would be better for them to remain at their houses, as it
- Mr. Mariner believes this to be always the case on such"^
occasions; but this was the only instance of a peace formally established, that ever happened while he was there. t It is an honourable office to assist at cava parties, it is therefore generally filled by young chiefs. + The visitors come armed for the sake of parade, giving up their arms afterVards as presents j those that receive them must be unarmed as a proof of their amicable disposi- tion, and that they do not mean to get them in their power by. stratagem.
