But this original diffidence was heightened by late events to something verging upon animosity.

Fangalii was unavenged: the arms of Mataafa were _Nondum inexpiatis uncta cruoribus_, Still soiled with the unexpiated blood of German sailors; and though the chief was not present in the field, nor could have heard of the affair till it was over, he had reaped from it credit with his countrymen and dislike from the Germans.
I may not say that trouble was hoped.

I must say--if it were not feared, the practice of diplomacy must teach a very hopeful view of human nature.
Mataafa and Laupepa, by the sudden repatriation of the last, found themselves face to face in conditions of exasperating rivalry.

The one returned from the dead of exile to find himself replaced and excelled.
The other, at the end of a long, anxious, and successful struggle, beheld his only possible competitor resuscitated from the grave.

The qualities of both, in this difficult moment, shone out nobly.