The next places from which the foe had to be dislodged were the Naquaquatambua caves, which are a nest of large caves round a deep hollow—naturally a very strong post, and further fortified by the inmates. The entrance to the principal cave is by a cleft in the rock, not more than six feet wide, though perhaps twenty in height, and well concealed by the network of roots of a great _Mbaka_ (Fiji banyan), the interstices of the roots being filled up with rock-work, so as to form an outer wall, with loop-holes, through which to fire at assailants. Within is a large high cave in which were stored guns, ammunition, and provisions—yams, pigs, and _yangona_; while in an inner cave, beside a stream of water, were enormous stores of yams, whales’ teeth, _masi_, abundant firewood, and all things needful to hold out for a long siege. From the principal cave low passages lead to other caves, and these again have outlets; and all these were carefully concealed and well fortified: some could only be entered on hands and knees. Altogether the post was one which might have been held for ever, and when first the little Christian army was descried, on the hill facing them, the _tevoro_ amused themselves by a little of the usual boasting; but it seems their hearts failed them, for ere long a chief came out with a _soro_ (_i.e._, an atonement offering). This was refused, so he returned to the cave, and presently reappeared at the head of twenty-four men, vowing that only the women and one old man remained within. However, there was reason to believe that there were many more, and Captain Knollys explored as far as he dared venture; but as many of the caves could only be approached by crawling on hands and knees through low passages, and as the enemy occasionally fired from hidden openings, it was necessary to wait in patience. At last one man, who said he was the chief of the caves, declared he would come out in the morning, but not till then. Captain Knollys told him he must not come out, whereupon, from sheer spirit of opposition, out he came! A friendly chief, called Rovobokolo, was appointed to guard one cave full of people. He did so for two days and nights, but did not at all appreciate being fired at by unseen foes; so by a happy inspiration he suddenly cried out to bid them escape for their lives, as the _sotiers_ (soldiers) had effected an entrance, and were about to fire into them. This was a pure romance, but it had the desired effect of bringing the foe to light. Forthwith they rushed out, and were of course taken prisoners—in all sixty-one men, and a great many women and children.