It would not have been easy to give a clearer illustration of the truth that “knowledge is power,” than the case now before us affords.  Here was a small vessel, of less than a hundred tons in measurement, with a crew of twelve men, and armed with three guns, that was not only deemed to be sufficient but which was in fact amply sufficient to change a dynasty among a people who counted their hosts in thousands.  The expedients of civilized life gave the governor this ascendency, and he determined to use it justly, and in moderation.  It was his wish to avoid bloodshed; and after learning all the facts he could, he set about his task coolly and with prudence.

The first thing done, was to carry the schooner in, within reach of shot of Waally’s principal fortress, where his ruling chiefs resided, and which in fact was the hold where about a hundred of his followers dwelt; fellows that kept the whole island in fear, and who rendered it subservient to Waally’s wishes.  This fortress, fort, or whatever it should be called, was then summoned, its chief being commanded to quit, not only the hold, but the island altogether.  The answer was a defiance.  As time was given for the reception of this reply, measures had been taken to support the summons by a suitable degree of concert and activity.  Ooroony landed in person, and got among his friends on the island, who, assured of the support of the schooner, took up arms to a man, and appeared in a force that, of itself, was sufficient to drive Waally’s men into the sea.  Nevertheless, the last made a show of resistance until the governor fired his six-pounder at them.  The shot passed through the wooden pickets, and, though it hurt no one, it made such a clatter, that the chief in command sent out a palm-branch, and submitted.  This bloodless conquest caused a revolution at once, in several of the less important islands, and in eight-and-forty hours, Ooroony found himself where he had been when Betts appeared in the Neshamony.  Waally was fain to make the best of matters, and even he came in, acknowledged his crimes, obtained a pardon, and paid tribute.  The effect of this submission on the part of Waally, was to establish Ooroony more strongly than ever in authority, and to give him a chance of reigning peacefully for the remainder of his days.  All this was done in less than a week after the war had begun in earnest, by the invasion of the Reef!

The governor was too desirous to relieve the anxiety of those he had left behind him to accept the invitations that he, and his party, now received to make merry.  He traded a little with Ooroony’s people, obtaining many things that were useful in exchange for old iron, and other articles of little or no value.  What was more, he ascertained that sandal-wood was to be found on Rancocus Island in small quantities, and in this group in abundance.  A contract was made, accordingly, for the cutting and preparing of a considerable quantity of this wood, which was to be ready for delivery in the course of three months, when it was understood that the schooner was to return and take it in.  These arrangements completed, the Friend Abraham White sailed for home.