Torrey's Narrative; or, The Life and Adventures of William TorreyTorrey, William
History
Torrey's Narrative; or, The Life and Adventures of William Torrey
Torrey, William
Marquesas Islands (French Polynesia); Seafaring life
Great joy was manifested by other members of the
tribe for my return. The sorcerer, or doctor, applied
carver to my wounds, saying I should not be killed by
a hog or a Cohapha, but should live to a good old age
among the Teheda. If I had been killed by jumping
the precipice, or had been devoured by the hog, they
would have cared but little, in comparison with the idea
of my falling a victim to the blood-thirsty Cohaphas.
The war with the Cohaphas lasted nearly a year,
when, one morning at a very early hour, a message
came from them, saying the "King of the Cohaphas
wished for peace, for those veneies, or devils, (as they
called us,) were killing all the Cohaphas with their
Pobohe." Our king drew himself up at full length, and
with a significant expression of countenance said: "The
King of the Cohaphas commenced; the King of the
Teheda will end. If he has done enough we will give
him peace; but if not—if he still thirsts for blood, we
will kill all of them, as we did the Whi's;" a tribe of that
name who lived about two miles from us, who committed
some misdemeanor upon our tribe, at which the[144]
king became enraged, and in a single night killed them
all, amounting to about 500. Their bodies were thrown
in a pile, where their bones still whiten the sand. I
have often visited the spot, which can truly be called
"the place of skulls." Bones of all sizes, from the tender
infant who nestled in its mother's arms, to the stout,
athletic warrior, are strewn upon the ground. The
messenger returned to his king, and peace was established.
[145]
CHAPTER IX.
A visit from the Cohaphas. Our King wishes to learn the use of
the gun. Abandons the idea. Arrival of Captain Fisher. His
inhumanity. Is driven from the land. Manner of fishing. Attempt
to cultivate tobacco. Efficacy of the tabu law. A missionary
ship arrives. Meetings are held. Unbelief of the natives. Narrow
escape of the author. Conduct of Mr. Daylia. He is driven from
the island. Another sail approaches. Recognition of the Captain.
His conduct. Plan of escape. The king is deceived. The author
leaves the island. Secretes himself. Is missed. His unpleasant
situation. Joy at seeing the natives leave the ship. Reflections.
A few days after, a number of the Cohaphas visited
our valley, expressing a strong desire to
see the Tehoury and their Pobohe. Among
them was the celebrated chief Cappayoho, who
was still lame from the wound he had received
from our slugs. When we came before him, he looked
upon us with perfect astonishment, turned us around
again and again, asking many questions respecting
ourselves, our country, and the use of our pobohe. A
large hog was brought in and roasted, and a sumptuous
feast given, of which all partook, forgetting all feelings
of enmity.
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