It certainly is a marvel that no lives were lost from the use of such weapons—rusty old flint-lock or percussion-cap muskets, which had been lying by in store for many years, all more or less decayed: and these were in the hands of men accustomed to wield only spears and clubs. I think Captain Knollys’ force had only twenty Snider rifles, and a scanty supply of ammunition for even these, which were the backbone of the force. As to the old Tower muskets, some even of those selected as being the best, proved useless on reaching fighting-ground. A considerable amount of tiring was always necessary to clear the bush round any place where they encamped, to frighten lurking foes. When it was found that a collision with the Kai Tholos was inevitable, Sir Arthur sent to all the friendly chiefs to ask each for a small detachment of picked men. Double or treble the number asked for were sent, and a magnificent body of men was thus mustered, all eager for the fray. One body of 150 men from Bau came to Nasova to report themselves to the Governor before starting for the seat of war. All had their faces blackened to prevent the sun from blistering them—and savage indeed is the effect of this hideous cosmetic. They were almost all dressed alike in drapery of white _tappa_, and the _liku_ (fringe kilt) of black glossy water-weed, like horse-hair: they had streamers of _tappa_ floating from their arms and head. All were armed with old Tower muskets. They marched on to the _rara_—the green lawn before the house—and there performed the wildest devil _méké_, ending with unearthly yells. It was a very striking scene. Then they advanced, two or three at a time, throwing themselves into wild attitudes, brandishing their weapons, which formerly would have been spears or clubs, and trying who could make the most valiant boast concerning his intended prowess.[40] One cried, “I go to the mountains; my feet shall eat grass.” This was to express his eager speed. Another: “I long to be gone; I crave to meet the foe. You need not fear; here is your safeguard.” “This is only a musket,” cried another, flourishing his weapon; “but _I_ carry it.” Said the next: “We go to war, what hinders that we _fill all the ovens_?” (I fear that man hankered after the flesh-pots of Fiji!) Another, holding up his musket, cried, “This is the bridge over which you English shall pass into the mountains.” “Why do you white men cry out? _We_ go to the mountains, and will bruise even the rocks.” The second company came up stately, and only one acted spokesman. “This is Bau, that is enough.” Others gambolled about, extolling their (imaginary) club by name, as in olden days. When each had had his say, one advanced with a green twig, which he laid at the feet of the Governor’s native aide-de-camp. Then Mr Wilkinson made a little speech for the Governor, and a gift of symbolical whales’ teeth, which the messenger received crouching, and carried them to the corps, who also crouched low to receive them.