KALANI OF OAiilL \CE OF H/-WAIT KALANI OF OAHU. AN HISTORICAL ROMANCE OF HAWAII. * i-o i BY C. M. NEWELL, I AUTHOR OF "PEHE NU-E, THE TIGER WHALE," ETC As ductile marble, poetized in dreams, Reflects its Alc.izar in Guadalquiver; And famed Alrumbra in ardent sunlight gleams Along the yellow sheen of Darro river : So drifts Oahu's Queen, in lithe canoe, Where coral fanes like marble cities rise : Where Rnomes and mermaids sport in ocean's blue, And crimson madrepores entrance the human eyes. BOSTON: PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR 1881. COPYRIGHT BY C. M. NEWELL, 1880. All Rights Reserved. C. M. A. TWITCHELL, Printer and Stercotyper, 65 Cornhill, Boston, Mass, TO MAJESTY, DAVID KALAKAUA, KAMEHAMEHA, THE VII. KING OF THE "EIGHT ISLES," IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR. PREFACE. THE myths and religious superstitions of the indigenes of a barbaric nation present as enticing subjects for the romancist, and as interesting re- searches for the anthropologist, as their countless shells and exquisite madrepores may do to the zootomyst. Bereft of such knowledge, the prehistoric past of a people of Polynesia becomes a period of dark- ness to the physicist, unrayed by sufficient glim- mer of light by which to judge of the remote anterior conditions of their religious or social his- tory, not to mention the ever-disputed point of their anthropophagy. While, aided by a well-digested system of their mythology, we may follow as easily down the cir- cuitous stair of their dim, uncertain past, as the burrowing geologist delves into the nether world, and evolves his system from the dislocated ribs and broken spinalia of mother earth. Lest we be accused of an anamorphosis in materi- alizing some of the invisible gods of the Hawaiian mythology, permit a word in extenuation. Among an isolate people mythology always takes its rise 5 6 PREFACE. from visible events, or is born of the most impres- sive local aspects of nature. The earliest awaken- ing of mythological religion in the savage mind is shown in the individual worship of some crude. per- sonal conception, like that of the Easter Islanders and other isolate amphiscii each man construct- ing his own god made simple or ingenious ac- cording to the degree of mental acumen of the worshipper. In a more advanced stage idolaters will gather into communities, having agreed upon a generally accepted method, or object of worship, to the ex- clusion of their previous multiform inchoate incep- tions; while, in a yet more enlightened condi- tion, priests are suffered to not only select the deity for general worship, but also to become the sole intermediate between the chosen god and man, in all times of national exigency. A yet still further advance had been made by the Hawaiians when rediscovered by Cook, for they had become the most perfect heathen theoc- racy known. Their religio-secular system of Tabu was without parallel in the history of nations. The Kapu Kane (human sacrifice) being the most fiendish rite of ecclesiastical cunning ever devised, by which to exalt the rights of the chiefs over the peasants, and b} 7 which to legalize public murder of one's enemies, and sanction wholesale thievery. The quality of viability in Moa-alii, the terrible sea-god, ravenous to capsize canoes and devour their human contents, inspired no greater certitude PREFACE. of his existence than did the invisibility of Pele the dread goddess of Kilauea conduce to the universal belief of her material existence, and of her dual power of supreme dominion over vol- canic action and the destinies of men. Pele's frequently reputed interviews with the priests and kings were unquestioned. And the supposed something sometimes seen dancing on the crest of a fiery eruption acquired credence, somewhat authenticated by the numerous locks of amber " Pele's hair " thrown broadcast over the land after every eruption, and even falling upon vessels hundreds of miles from shore, all of which were deemed proofs positive of the material exist- ence of the terrible Ignipotent of Mauna Loa. The impunit}^ with which Princess Kapiolani subsequently descended into Kilauea crater, and defied Pele in her own stronghold, without being consumed on the instant, was an act of sublime heroism few women are equal to. That she could do it and live, was attributed to the visible supe- riority of her new God over Pele. THE AUTHOR. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. PAGES Pele, the Dread Goddess of Mauna Loa. Human Sacri- fice and Warfare to gain her Favor, . . . .13 CHAPTER II. Ship Elenora in a Storm. John Young on Board. Ship confronted by Earthquakes and Midnight Eruptions, . 23 CHAPTER III. Pele seen dancing on the Fiery Lava. Ship saved from Wreck by the Boy King. Kalani on the War-path, guided by Pele, 35 CHAPTER IV. Coco Isle, the Royal Retreat of Kamehameha. Kalani abducts the Queen, and Princess Pelelulu. Attacks and kills the Giant. Kalani's Interview with Pele, . . 43 CHAPTER V. Kalani escapes with his Dead Warriors and Pelelulu. The Hawaiian Godiva. Beauty of the God-born Princess. Wooings of the King. Betrothing of the Lovers, . 59 CHAPTER VI. Keone Ane : his Influence in Hawaiian Affairs. Kalani arrives at Maui. Sacrifices to Moa-alii. Return to Hawaii with an Army. Praying to Pele for Divine Aid, 79 9 10 CONTENTS. CHAPTER VII. PACK Kalani's Interview with the Dread Goddess of Kilauea. Pele destroys one of the Hawaiian Armies to a Man. Her Invisible Presence manifested to Kalani, . 93 CHAPTER VIII. Kalani returns to Oahu with Kupule and the Army. Showing the Beautiful Nuuanu and the Palaces to Ku- pule. The Royal Wedding and the Bridal Trousseau, 115 CHAPTER IX. Eve of Battle with Keao, King of Kauai. Kalani reviles the Divine Goddess for apparent Neglect. Pele's Sud- den Appearance in Anger, at the Sacred Fountain, . 135 CHAPTER X. The Enchanting Vale by Moonlight. Worth of Woman's Love in Time of Need. Queenly Wisdom of the God- born Kupule, . . * 155 CHAPTER XI. The Fleet discovered in the Moonglade. Arrival of Keao. Parting of the Lovers at the Fountain. Combat of the Two Kings. The Earthquake and Pele's Invisible Pres- ence. Death of Keao, 171 CHAPTER XII. Departure of Kalani and his Army for Maui. The Pearl Garden of Waikiki. Moa-alii's Den in the Reef. The Crimson Coral Tree. The Mysterious Music in the Sea, 202 CHAPTER XIII. Kupule convoking the Unseen from the "Kiowai o Pele." "Nani," the tiny Elf Queen. Beauty and Timidity of the Fairy Queen, 233 CONTENTS. 11 CHAPTER XIV. PAGE The Elf Queen in Disguise as a Rainbow Fish. The Frightful Eeries seen at Pearl Garden. " Oluolu," the Mermaid Queen appears to Kupule. Lured down to the Sea Queen's Grotto in the Sea. Eluding the Ocean Monsters. Chased by Moa-alii, ..... 247 CHAPTER XV. Night Tales by the Blind Bard. Waikiki by Moonlight. The Mermaid's Singing. Kupule's Answering Song. Alarm of the Sea Monsters for their Queen, . . . 273 CHAPTER XVI. Return of the Defeated King and Army. A Human Sac- rifice. Diabolism of the Kapu Kana. Anthropology, applied to the Titanic Chiefs of Polynesia. Kameha- meha on the War-path Approaching Oahu, . . 303 CHAPTER XVII. The Sublime Pathos of Last Hours in Life. The Royal Pair ascend to the Sacred " Kiowai " for Worship. They climb upon Puawai to watch for the Hawaiians, . 323 CHAPTER XVIII. Appearance of the Rival Kings and their Armies. Young kills Kaiana, the Traitor, when half the Army desert. Oahu is beaten, and Kalani retreats to the Pali, . . 343 CHAPTER XIX. The Queen and Thousands of Others seek the Mountain. Kalani's Address to the Chiefs, while awaiting the Ene- my. Oahu holds the Pass by desperate Fighting, . 367 CHAPTER XX. Approach of the Guard to end the Day. Kalani snatched from Death by Pele. Pele's Grief at his Apostasy. Young kills the King. Kupule leaps from the Crag, and dies on his Breast. Memory's Shrines, . . . 387 THEY steal like ghosts from the moonlit grove, Prom the "Tabued Grove," where the goblins rove; For the awful Pele, in pride and power, From the " Kiowai " rose at that midnight hour ! From the fountain sprang, being wrought with ire ; Flamed her azure eyes and her locks of fire ! While she sat 'neath the spray full of wondrous grace, With her goddess' form and her godlike face. Then the fountain stilled its falling spray, And the moonbeams chill o'er Nuuanu lay ; While the leaves in the grove seemed to hold their breath, Hanging limp, as with fear, at the hush of death ! 12 KALANI OF OAHU CHAPTER I. OME with us down the dark ages. Back even into the benighted past, when the heroic kings of Hawaii and Oahu were contending for supremacy over the "Eight Isles." Fiercer warfare, and deeds of greater dar- ing never cast their lurid halo over the Homeric age, than were witnessed in the sanguinary battles between the Giant Kamehameha on the one hand, and Kalanikupule the Boy King of Oahu on the other. It was the land of Pele ! Pele, the most sublime and terrible goddess in the mythology of nations. Though this fearful ignipotent comprised in her- self all that was grand and adorable in her sex in placid moments, she was at times coquettish, and cruel, and unrelenting in her demands for human worship and human sacrifice. Unique and lofty was the dwelling-place of this 13 14 KALANI OF OAHU. Juno of the mountain land of Hawaii Nei, whether she sported in the Hale-mau-mau the boiling lava-lake of Kilauea or flung devastation over the land from high Mokuaweoweo, among the stars her palace crater on snow-clad Mauna Loa's brow. While she dwelt in Kilauea in times of peace, and there received the first-fruits of the land, and the first catch of the sea from the trembling hands of her worshippers, in the dread times of war her throne was Mauna Loa. There she presided over the heavens and the earth, dictating the music of the spheres and the motions of the stellar worlds ; while she goaded her human subjects to war and rapine, and instigated the terrible Tabus, till there hung over the land a hideous pall of blackness, reeking with the gore of human sacrifice in the cloistered walls of every heiau among the Isles. While dispensing the amenities of life to her human subjects from Kilauea, it was the frequent pastime of herself and her god-people to dance joyously in the fountain-jets of red lava that leaped up from the awful abyss, or swim playfully in the fiery surf of the volcanic sea, that rolled in great breakers, like an aqueous ocean, against the black walls of the seething crater, twelve hundred feet below. Leaving the wide sea, and all therein, to the ruling of Moa-alii the fierce god of the sea Pele ruled in person over the Hawaiian world, and often condescended to dabble, with womanly in- THE JEALOUS GODDESS. 15 stincts, in the destinies of heroic men. Being a goddess, she assumed the most essential preroga- tive of her sex, the inherent right to prompt an ever continued rivalry for her favors among the kings of the Isles. To retain the affection of such a female deity, and to acquire the worldly benefits consequent thereon, a warrior must not fail either in battle- deeds with his fellows, or in humble obeisance to her godship ; nor a priest lessen the enormity of his sacrifices in the Wahi kapu the sacred places of the land. Though the divine Pele was captivated by the warlike deeds of Kamehameha the hideous Her- cules of the Polynesian world she was also daz- zled by the godlike spirit and manly beauty of the Boy King of Oahu. And as the last object of adoration ever takes precedence with her sex for the time, the ardent Pele breathed a fiery valor into the soul of Kalanikupule, and taught him the cunning use of arms, with something more than woman's fondness. Thus fostered, the courage of the young king rose to the supremest height, acquiring at length a sense of invincibility from the frequent prompt- ings of his imperial patroness, until he sought for a personal encounter with his gigantic rival of Hawaii, in one of the most daring and dangerous midnight adventures recorded in the annals of war- fare. But, alas! with the boy-like innocence due to 16 KALANI OP OAHU. his age, in his own unbounded adoration for the beautiful goddess, Kalanikupule erred in suppos- ing that a proud woman's love once won, is won forever. And as familiarity with even a goddess begets indifference of her dignity and her power in a vaulting human soul it came at length to pass, in after years, that when beset by numerous and insurmountable difficulties, the Boy King mur- mured aloud with profane tongue at the seeming neglect of Pele, and, in losing her favor, lost his life and his throne together. This sad event took place on the eve of a great battle with his traitorous uncle, the warlike king of Kauai. The forces of Oahu had become dis- couraged and decimated by the long continued wars with Kamehameha on the one hand, while now the well-chosen army of Keao, of Kauai, was about to attack them on the other. The hour was indeed dark and boding for Oahu. Where was Pele with her friendly word of cheer, her usual assurance that all should yet be well? For the first time in his life she had failed to show a single torch-light from her craters, or a single quake of the earth-crust, or other vestige of remembrance of her young hero, in this his direst need. Alas ! alas ! in a jealous mood the young king believed Pele had deserted him for his rival ; when, goaded by his anguish, he suffered himself to cry aloud in fierce disdain of her all-powerful love, and even in bitter derision of the help she had bestowed upon him in the past wars. PELE APPEARS TO THE KING. 17 Worst of all, this scene took place at one of the most sacred of the waJii kapus on the Isle, where the king and his young queen had retreated to invoke the divine blessing of Pele. They had been worshipping by moonlight, at the Goddess Fountain, in the sacred orange grove of Nuuanu Valley; when Kalanikupule's imprecations angered the Goddess, and in a form of living fire she leaped up from the fountain, and stood 'neath the crest of the spray, as she retorted upon the dismayed king as only an outraged woman can do when scorned. The summer moon hid its face in dark- ness, and the stars grew tremulous with fear at her anger. The orange leaves withered upon the trees because of her fiery breath, and their yellow globes jangled like alarnvbells because of the ter- rible passion of a goddess when defied by incon- siderate man. The very waters of the sacred fountain whereon she. sat hissed and boiled, and jet forth in fiery tongues like envenomed snakes, so awful is the wrath of deity when justly enraged. From that hour the fame of Kalanikupule was dimmed forever. The mistake of that one moment was irrevocable to the end of his being. Yet Pele so far relented, even in the hour of her wrath, as to leave her loved young hero a god-given spear, which served to win him the victory over Keao in the unequal contest of the coming morning. But, as the proud and terrified young king made no reply no show of relenting to either the wrathful justification or persuasive admonitions of 18 KALANI OF OAHU. the Goddess, the bright sword of unending victory, which Pele had forged with her own hand for her young hero, was suffered to dangle a moment be- fore his eyes, glistening with its rare jewels and tawny gold, during her tirade, then dropped dis- dainfully back into the fountain, until the igneous earth far down beneath should reclaim its rare metals and precious stones again. Thenceforth the rising destiny of Kalanikupule's rival was unending and unquestioned. Kameha- meha's fame rose from that hour with unwavering splendor, until the name of the " Lonely One" of Hawaii filled the world with glory. Though the older and more sagacious king was uncomely in aspect and rough in demeanor, yet was he gifted with a subtle cunning and patient obeisance toward the sex, which stood him well instead of his young rival's physical beauty and knightly prowess. Thus the name of Kamehameha Nui (the Great) has been transmitted to posterity, not wholly for his warlike deeds, but rather because of his greater duplicity to a fickle deity, else were some descend- ant of the noble Kalanikupule now ruling his fair kingdom of Oahu to-day. Yet prior to this ultimate event we have de- scribed, both of these warlike kings were greatly beloved by Pele ; while such was her innate love of tumult, and the clash and din of war, that she not only instigated, but presided over their war- like contentions. Thus the battle-deeds of those barbaric monarchs necessarily became heroic types PELE'S LOVE OF WAR. 19 of daring and endurance ; fit emblems of their day, to be commemorated, held in ever visible perpetuity by the grandest mountain pea'ks which monument their volcanic Isles. Here the dread Pele still dwells, and still rocks the hollow earth with her terrific earthquakes as of old. Here she continues her volcanic warfare against heaven and earth and sea, smiting the midnight sky until her lurid flames dart above the mountain snow-crests, like serpent tongues snap- ping at the stars. Here, upon her palace home of Loa, are still witnessed the most gigantic eruptions of the globe, where red fountains of molten lava turn the blackest storm-night into day by their brilliance ; rolling in roaring rivers of lava down the moun- tain side, to do battle with its greatest antipathy the sea. It is no fictitious legend, however wild and im- probable it may seem to us now, that the fierce War-goddess of Mauna Loa did sometimes preside over the great battles of her favorite heroes in those long-gone days of which we write. We might rest the authenticity of this statement upon a single momentous event, where Pele, with her destructive might, utterly annihilated every man of one wing of an army, with her equally miracu- lous salvation of the opposing army, while fighting under the command of her favorite warrior, though they were in equally exposed situations with their foes. 20 KALANI OF OAHU. Alas, that we are compelled to record it of one so mighty and so wise, it did seem at times as if the divine ignipotent of Hawaii suffered her dual affections for human heroes to fluctuate from one rival warrior to another a womanly prerogative, however, still tenaciously claimed by her sex. Just previous to the time of which we write a few brief years before Kalaniopuu, the aged king of Hawaii, died, leaving the half of his island king- dom to Kamehameha, the foremost warrior chief of the whole Polynesian world. The other half of his kingdom Kalaniopuu left to Kiwalao, his rightful son and heir. This act was consummated with the distinct understanding between the dying king and his powerful war-chief, that the latter should promise to maintain Kiwalao on his throne against the probable contentions likely to arise after the old monarch's death. Keoua, the warlike brother of the dying king, was known to be unscrupulous and ambitious, and it was feared by king and people that the young Kiwalao would have but small chance to maintain himself against his intriguing uncle. Thus Kamehameha, from being only the leading war-chief of the reigning king of his time, stepped at one bound into possession of a kingdom. Kona, Kohala, and Hamakua was transmitted to him; while Kau, Puna, and Hilo fell to the lot of Ki- walao. But war soon sprung up in the fruitless endeavor to dispossess Kamehameha of his right- ful crown. The first contention was brought on KAMEHAMEHA. 21 by Keoua and Kiwalao over the still unburied manes of Kalaniopuu. It ended in Kiwalao being killed in battle, and Kamehaineha getting posses- sion of the whole island of Hawaii. Keoua and his great chiefs retreated to the mountain fastness, and kept up a desultory warfare for years. Tiring at length of the desperate strug- gle against the invincible Kamehameha, Keoua voluntarily surrendered with several of his great chiefs, under promise of protection, when eight of the noble warriors were assassinated while in the act of landing from their canoe at Kawaihae, in the very presence of Kamehameha. This act of des- potism remains an indelible stain upon the charac- ter of the usually humane conqueror ; and it ac- quires additional interest from Keoua being one of the many reputed fathers of Kamehameha, though Kahekili, king of the Leeward Isles, and father of Kalanikupule, sustained the best claim in this knotty question of promiscuous paternity. Thus the sudden rise of Kamehameha not only created great jealousy among the ambitious war- chiefs of his own island, but also drew down upon him the bitter enmity of the old line of kings of the Leeward Islands, ending with begetting the long and bloody wars by which he finally came into possession of all the " Eight Isles," whose present appellation is: Hawaii Nei pae aina " these Hawaiian Islands." Tis midnight on the stormy sea ! The night is dark as hour of doom ; The scud flies swiftly down the lee, Like demons of the murky gloom. The gale is fierce with shriek and wail ! The billows run to mountains high ; Before the wind one scudding sail Tears through the storm it dares defy. Hark ! to the crash, as thunders roll With every peal of lightning's glare, Till awed becomes the human soul With all the terrors gathered there. Now rends in twain the inky sky ! With lava-floods from Kilanea ; Its glare would blind an eagle's eye, Such fierce and furious lava-fire. Like some tremendous Pharos-light, God-sent, to guide the bark aright ; For on that ship the boatswain came Who prompts Hawaii to warlike fame. 22 CHAPTER II. T was a weird, wild storm upon the open- ing night of our story. As furious a tempest as ever howled over the Pacific was beating upon the Hawaiian shore. A dark and starless midnight, black as ever con- fronted a mariner, with pelting rain and shrieking wind such a night of terror as causes even the bravest to cower, and turn with trembling suppli- cation to the Father above. Heaven and earth and the mad sea were rocking with earthquakes, and made deafening with loud thunder-peals fol- lowing fast upon the red lightning's glare. The low-lying scuds were flying swiftly over ship and sea, as is their wont in such equinoctial storms in the tropic. The great seas rose to enor- mous heights, as if intent to out-bellow the thun- der, and out-rumble the earthquakes. These stu- pendous waves are easily accounted for by the ready facility with which storm-billows build upon, trade-wind seas when driven into such frenzy by a hurricane. Though at times the deluge from the clouds ceased for a moment, it was followed by a saline one as drenching from the torn-up ocean below. 23 24 KALANI OP OAHU. So terrific was the force of the wind that the ghast- ly, seething foam-crests were torn from the moun- tain billow-tops, and hurled along the writhing face of the black waters with the force and fury of hailstones. None but the smallest and the strongest of the storm-sails could be set upon the one solitary ves- sel now scudding before the gale. She was the only foreign ship at that time in all the Hawaiian seas. God help her ! and preserve her crew, for she bears Keone Ana, the noble sailor, yet destined to become the noblest chief in all the land.* That it was a night of the sublimest horror was evidenced by a glance on board the Elenora, for every soul of her terror-stricken crew had lashed themselves about the fife-rail of the mizzen-mast, or beneath the precarious shelter of the wheel- house, clinging with tired arms, endeavoring to resist the pitch and roll of the vessel ; displaying pallid faces and anxious eyes during the yellow gleam of the lightning, as they clung awaiting the uncertain doom impending over them all. Two strong seamen were struggling with the helm, active and alert to forecast for the ever- veering ship as she hung poised on the tops of the careering seas. With bare and brawny arms, and * John Young, an English boatswain, came to Hawaii in the Elenora, and was restrained from going back to his ship by Kamehameha upon the occasion of Kameeimoku's capturing the " Fair American." Young was made a high chief, and, more than any other white man, was conducive to the final con- quest of the islands. SHIP IN THE STORM. 25 swollen biceps, tough as springy steel, they spun the wheel starboard and port with a terrible en- ergy, bora of the tempest and engendered by the perils. Presiding over the helm stood brave John Young the boatswain, the future chief and coun- sellor of the great conqueror of Hawaii. Prudent and brave, he too was lashed by the topsail-hal- yards to the weather rail, while he conned the helm under the directions of the captain, who was perched on the hurricane-house above, where he had lashed himself to the mizzen-mast the only man on board fully exposed to the storm. The Elenora was running to make the Upolu Passage, the strait separating Hawaii from Maui, and to deviate a single point from the true course would be to run upon the one rock-bound shore or the other. It was truly a perilous position, even without the added horror of the gale. But it was a situation where the boldest strokes of the best mariners oftenest prove the safest in the end. The mere matter of a clear gale in a landless sea is but pleasant pastime for competent seamen. But a foul gale, trending upon a lee shore, with impenetrable darkness and blinding lightning to contend with, made a situation sufficient to terrify the boldest. It places the mariner face to face with eternity, until the voice of God possesses his soul as in the final hour of dissolution. Such scenes of terror have often blanched the heads of young seamen prematurely gray. Rarely was ever such a pandemonium of ocean horrors 26 KALANI OP OAHU. gathered about one devoted ship, as here. Hark ! to the fierce crescendo of the storm, shrieking among the wet ropes and twanging shrouds like the utmost voices of a thousand winged demons, enhungered for their prey. In the brief interval between the maddening fury of the strongest squalls, there wails a hoarse bassoon among the great shrouds and tarry stays, verily like the multitudinous voices uprising from ocean graves. These intervals are soon followed by the oncoming blast, tearing the very sea to tat- ters; when every strand of rigging becomes strained to its utmost tension, creating a dissonance too frightful to be told. It is then that each rope and shroud and stay each, after the measure of its size shrieks with demoniac yells sufficient to ter- rify the boldest on board. At such moments, those least overcome by their fears, with one accord fling their gaze aloft with fierce intent to discover the infernal demons who have beset them. But useless all, for no mortal eye can pierce the gloom above the catharpins, or forward of the bowsprit. Beyond these limits of vision, all is inky blackness, riven only by the red lightning which leaves the black night blacker still from the blinding effect of its flash. How roar the great curling crests of the top- pling seas, rolling their spiteful waters over the laboring vessel, as if with intent to sink her where many a one has gone down before ! now flood- ing over the one rail, and now the other, until the HORRORS OF THE STORM. 27 tossing, tumbling ship is often buried waist-deep under the seas. Though fleeing at her utmost speed before the mad wind and mountain-seas, yet occasionally some great oncoming wave overtakes her, and poops the flying ship as it boards by the stern, deluging all on board as it rolls forward and re* treats by the bows. Though this action of the mammoth waves upon the stern accelerates the speed of the ship to the utmost for the moment, it also veers her to the one side or the other, when down crashes the next following wave over bulwarks and rail, rolling like a mountain avalanche across the careening deck, to the imminent peril of whomsoever is in its path. Frequently, when the belabored ship goes plun- ging down the steep incline of the larger seas, because of the black darkness a wild illusion seizes upon the minds of all that the vessel is rushing headlong to certain destruction, never again to rise up to the level of day. But luckily in such peril, safety lies in the in sufficient speed of the ship, being rescued from her downward plunge by the enrolling billow which passes her, until she is next seen climbing the steep hillside on the rear aspect of the passing wave, with bowsprit pointing to the sky, like an appealing hand outstretched to heaven. The captain of the luckless ship had lashed him- self to the mast where it protrudes above the hur- 28 KALANI OP OAHU. ricane-house, conning the ship from his elevated position with his utmost vigilance. While all oth- ers were permitted to seek shelter beneath the hur- ricane-house, the brave master took his stand in wild solitude above the deck, where he was pelted by the driving spray torn from the sea-tops, and exposed to the rake of the cutting wind and the frequent drenching rains. But it was an hour when the master-mind can depend upon no other lookout but his own. For when the land is discovered if discovered it can be in such a night his action must be immedi- ate, or of no avail to save his ship and crew from instant destruction. With a courage above all praise, the dauntless Captain had thus chosen his station well ; for it is a knowledge intuitively imparted to most men, that moments of great peril are best endured when sustained in companionship with others of our kind. Yet there he sways to the wind and the sea, girt by the wet lashings that secure him to the creaking mast. There he strains his anx- ious eyes, peering into the black gloom ahead, endeavoring to discover the dread land, which, though it were but a ship's length before them, could only be distinguished during the brief in- terval of the lightning's glare. Could the Elenora once pass the Upolu Strait, she might ride out the gale in safety under the mountain land of Hawaii, near the Kohala shore. But it is a question with all minds on board whether THE EARTHQUAKE. 29 the ship is running toward the Straits or on to the land, it is so easy for a vessel to deviate from a true course, owing to the unknown currents en- countered in strange seas. If the swift-rushing ship was not heading for the opening between the islands, there was but one other dreadful alternative awaiting her, for they were dashing with mad speed upon the one rock- bound coast or the other. This is a peril such as only the hardiest mariners can contemplate with equanimity, for wreck and a terrible death lie open-armed to receive them. Who can depict the long-sustained anguish of such a moment, with such a harrowing fear added to the heaped-up hor- rors of the storm ? Presently, as if the previous terrors of the storm- lashed seamen were not already complete in abun- dance and kind, there came the awful shock and crash of another earthquake, more terrible than any before, coming as if the earth had rent asunder directly beneath their feet. Lo ! how the ship rocks and rolls, and rears as with sentient madness, quiv- ering from truck to keel in abject fear, as if shaken in the monstrous grasp of a hadean giant. How quail the terrified seamen, deeming the last moment of earth-life has come ! The rain ceases its down-pouring upon the instant, and there comes a moment's lull in the mad howling of the gale, as if the concussion of the earthquake rolling sea- ward from the land had met and breasted back the wild storm with unrelenting hand. 30 KALANI OF OAHU. 4 Again and again come the renewed shocks of a rending earth and an oscillating sea, vibrating in mammoth waves through atmosphere and ocean, quelling the rush of wind and the mad roll of waters until the black night seems convulsed as if in labor with some Plutonian god. At length the wild tumult ceased. The hush of impending death broods over the stilled winds and the crushed waves. The anguished throes of par- turient Nature seem to have brought forth, partus with some voiceless demon, which fails to utter the expectant cry of the new-born. " What is in store for us now?" is the tremulous heart-cry of every soul on board. One moment only, one long, lingering moment of windless air and waveless sea they were held in suspense, then the mad winds piped on again, increasing to the wildest frenzy the ship had yet experienced. Suddenly there was a dim and ghastly illumina- tion discovered through the inky blackness direct- ly ahead of the ship, faint and portentous as some midnight paraselene when presaging a storm. Growing at length to a ponderous glare, it was soon seen flickering and beating against the Egyp- tian darkness, growing brighter and brighter, until it increased to a gigantic pillar of fire, leaping six hundred yards up through the unearthly gloom of the midnight sky. It was as though the w T hole western heavens were rent in twain to recall a benighted world, opening VOLCANIC ERUPTION. 31 a wild chaos of seething fire whose furious heat eats up the darkness, as a tropic sun dispels the dawn. Simultaneous with this appalling sight there conies the frequent shiver of a perpendic- ular* earthquake, vibrating upward through sea and ship with a motion that stuns the human mind, serving to further appall the frenzied sea- men with an added conviction that their hour of dissolution had come. Steadily the red rift in the western sky seems to broaden and brighten and lengthen; advancing upon the ship until neither its distance nor the force of the strong wind prevents a glow of its incandescence reaching the faces of the seamen as they stand aghast awaiting the consummation of their doom. Awful beyond conception is the lurid glare which cleaves the heavens from sea to sky, sundering the black night with a fiery radiance red as human gore ; rimming the jagged blackness above and around it with serpent- tongues of flame that flash into the inky gloom like the gleam of ponderous scimiters in the hands of Pele's avenging gods. Though Hades might have been deemed but a priestly fiction prior to this hour, by which to af- fright the sinful world and sequester the elect, doubt reigned no more among the scoffing seamen * As is well known, the vibrate of most earthquakes is a horizontal motion following the> convexity of the earth-crust. But the writer has encountered some of these perpendicular motions which will lift a ship half out of water. 32 KALANI OP OAHU. of the Elenora. Their superstitions had become their masters, until they stood awed and horrified, involuntarily muttering unseemly oaths, or mur- muring long-forgotten prayers each according to the texture of his soul. Hope fled alike from the sinful and the sinless, though it is true that the " pure in heart see God " through the utmost dan- ger and the profoundest gloom. Yet in this hour strong men stood aghast and trembling, and the bravest and the best were so appalled by this new- found fear, that they would gladly have fled back like frightened birds into the Plutonian darkness and the frightful storm they had just encountered. To the sin-loving and the scoffing now so over- mastered by their fears the fiery chaos before them seemed the Jong-expected pandemonium of their dreams. For it is a law of our natures that evil-doers live in continuous expectation of a com- ing retribution, and end with becoming their own severest judges when impressed with the convic- tion that their final hour has come. Hideous indeed must have been the sight and sound and sense of horror pervading air and ocean, that the black demons of the storm should again slink back crushed and cowed ; hushing their un- earthly noises as if they, too, would hide in fear among the caverns of the deep. Even the gigantic waves now beheld their master, and stilled their loud-mouthed bellowing, slinking down like creeping curs beneath the impending lash, unpluming their proud crests, and disrobing their THE ANGEL OF DEATH. 33 wild fuiy, for there had come forth upon the sea a greater tyrant than the storm which had aroused them. To those of less mental disquietude than their fellows, those having courage sufficient to search boldly into the hadean sea of fire before them, there was occasionally visible a grand and grace- ful creature in woman's form, dancing exultingly on the crest of the fiery ebullition, or flitting daintily across from one black border of the lurid scene to the other. This was Pele, the sublime goddess of volcanoes, ever presiding over the erup- tions of Loa, and the earthquakes of the nether world ; and who was now exulting at her victory over the rude storm-king who had assailed her kingdom at the instigation of Moa-alii, the dread god of the sea. Nearer down to the water was visible another sight, terrible enough to appall even the dauntless. A huge and hideous figure, now seen boldly out- lined in black shadow on the blood-red sea, as it stalked in silhouette across the lurid glare, and now beheld lurking like an ambushed foe behind the red- rimmed blackness of the borders of the fiery caldron. This colossal figure was Kaonohiokala, the " Eye of the Sun," or the Angel of Death, whose mission is to conduct the " spirits of men to Po," there to be eaten by the gods, a huge black-winged mon- ster, with large glowering eyes hideous enough to curdle the life-blood of a nation. Kaonohiokala was indeed an awful personation 3 34 KALANI OF OAHU. of Death. His long black wings were ever indeli- bly stained with human gore, while the cruel glow- ering of his insensate eyes was such as only human victims can appease. Doggedly and sullenly the Death Angel flapped his slow, deliberate wings, as he guarded the doomed track of the approaching ship to the wreck that awaited her, ambushed to intercept all who would pass without the counter- sign from Pele. Though already gorged with hu- man prey, as seen by the laggard motion of his wings, he was alert for more, like the black buz- zards on the Death Towers of Bombay, which ever stand watchful to devour the Parsee dead. CHAPTER III. How weird and wild the crater gleams ! 'Tis angry Pele's blood-red streams ; Her molten rivers spurn the sea With shocks of earthquake revelry. They have passed through the fire and the tempest; Were they demons of horror and hate ? Eather warriors who've scented the battle, Casting all on the promptings of Fate. HEN first the stupendous eruption was discovered bursting from Mauna Loa, it seemed but a lingering flash of far-off light from the sky, dim and indistinct as a transient gleam of sunlight through a storm-cloud. But light travels quickly, and soon the fierce glow of the great eruption grew upon the beholders, illu- minating the ship and the furious sea about her, as with the glare of noonday. Seen amid such a night of storm, the colossal eruption was an added horror to the people of the Elenora, even more demoniacal than all the terrors they had endured before. In the brief interval, while the far-away light was approaching the vessel, several eyes on board dis- covered the godlike figure of Pele dancing on thd very top of the volcanic light. Some thought it 36 KALANI OF OAHU. was but the wild delusion of their own minds, knowing nothing of Pele and her ignipotent rule of the land. Some conceived what they saw was but a fanciful storm-cloud, assuming the shape of a woman, flitting vision-like upon the red-lava foun- tain seen in the sky. Before their doubts could be solved to the satis- faction of all, if doubts there were, the atten- tion of all was called to other living, moving figures seen upon the upheaving water, between the scud- ding ship and the volcanic light beyond. Looking closely down the lee, numerous objects could be distinguished in blackest silhouette, dan- cing like madmen on the curling crests of the seas. One moment they were seen with vivid distinct- ness, and then were ingulfed in the cavernous troughs of the great billows. When first seen against the lurid background of the rifted sky, belief obtained among all that they were veritable demons of the storm, battling with invisible weapons against the furies of the night. But when the full glare of the vast eruption had penetrated down to the Elenora, and out into the sea beyond, then all were made aware of the true nature of the objects before them. A large double war-canoe, impelled by sixty naked savages, was brought fully into view, paddling with might and main directly across the track of the approaching vessel. It was the forward-striking motion of paddling that created the delusive appearance of the sav- THE STORM DEMONS. 37 ages battling with some foe before them. It seemed at first impossible that boat or men could live for a moment in such a sea-way, and such a gale. But a double-canoe well separated by strong outriggers cannot be capsized when fairly man- aged. The two canoes before them seemed to be decked over with some water-proof material, leav- ing only the necessary apertures occupied by the sixty nude warriors in possession. Perhaps the amphibious propensities of the Hawaiians deserve to be considered, lest we transcend the credulity in depicting such daring ; yet the courage required to tempt death in such a night of elemental war seems almost superhuman. The adventure calling forth these swarthy warriors must be of momentous importance, to induce even such heroes to seek battle with a human enemy amid such accessory dangers. None on board the Elenora had deemed it pos- sible for aught but a scudding ship to live in such an infernity of wind and waves. As the fountain of molten lava rose higher and higher, and grew larger and larger, invading the murky gloom with its noonday glare, the red warriors discovered the ship near aboard in the offing. With a shout of 44 Moku ! Moku ! Haole moku ! " (the white man's ship,) sixty suspended paddle-blades pointed to the Elenora, and the great canoe was left to toss and roll on the crested seas as the astonished savages gazed upon the approaching vessel. 38 KALANI OF OAHTJ. Instantly a youthful warrior evidently the guiding spirit among them sprang up from the stern of the windward canoe, and waved his pad- dle with a furious gesture of friendly warning. His signal was imperative for the vessel to luff away from some yet undiscovered danger. And none too soon had come the providential light and the friendly warning. For while yet in the very act of bracing up the yards, preparatory to luffing to the wind, there appeared the black, beetling crags of Hilo, lying directly across their course. The ship was running to certain destruction, instead of into the Upolu passage as they had thought. Ten minutes more running in the dark- ness would have discovered a wrecked ship, shat- tered into fragments by the momentum of her own speed, and her crew of twenty hardy mariners strewn in mangled corpses along the rock-bound shore. Loving Father! how tender is thy care, how paternal thy providence when witnessed in such hours of peril upon the sea ! Who can portray the tender light of God-given thanks instilled into the hearts of those awe-stricken seamen at such a time ? The sudden rapture of that storm-pelted Captain lashed to his mast as with choked voice he hoarse- ly bellowed his orders through his trumpet to the mate : 44 Brace up ! Down helm ! Come by the wind with port tacks ! Work with a will, or we are lost lost! " NEARLY WRECKED. To the eyes of hovering angels in that moment of peril to whom darkness is as light that noble captain was visible, clasping his horny hands in fervent, outspoken prayer ; when words become as living things in the mouths of men, and lives are as tinder just snatched from devouring flames. What to him were the cutting talons of the shrieking wind, as the ship luffed to meet its. furi- ous onslaught ! What to him the cold dash of in- gulfing waters, as finding something obstructing their path the great waves rolled madly over the wallowing vessel, as if still impelled to hurl her upon the adjacent shore ! Though they were lost in the next moment it could not detract from the convictions of that brave man that he had been a subject of remem- brance by his God ; that he was still an object of the special care of the Father. After thankfulness to God for their own miracu- lous escape from wreck, came that other moment- ous question, of interest to all : Who was that kingly youth, and his rude warriors, that they dared the peril of such a night ? Heedless of his own danger, how intent had seemed the beardless warrior to warn the vessel away from the adjacent rocks ! The enlightened world said they were cannibals, and had just devoured Captain Cook, who, from being worshipped as god Lono, and fed gratui- tously with shiploads of provision, suffered himself to dismantle the sacred temple of Lono for fire- 40 KALANI OF OAHTJ. wood. And because of the theft of a paltry boat, with the act of a passionate despot he seized upon the aged Kalaniopuu and Kiwalao, his son, and endeavored to transport them to his ship, to be held as hostages. While enforcing this brutal act he lost his life, and for a century the blame has been put where it does not belong. And yet these savages in the canoe were endowed with sufficient nobility to forget their own danger and warn an- other haole moku another Lono and his ship away from a greater peril than their own. As the red light of the volcano gleamed upon the waving paddle of the manly chief, himself and his grim giants were so. rimmed about by the lurid glare that they might well have been taken for ocean demons struggling up from the subterranean world. Yet they were human heroes instead, in- tent upon surprising a gigantic foe, though camped among his hundred chosen warriors, and otherwise guarded by the best of all security, a furious equi- noctial storm. The captain and boatswain of the Elenora had been in these seas before, and were not long in recognizing the young warrior as Kalanikupule,. the Boy King of Oahu. From a child the young Prince had been nurtured in arms, and was per- mitted to accompany the great Thunderer, his sire, to every battle on their Isles. Now Kahekili was dead, enshrouded in " black tapa," and the daring young king was seeking to beard the Lonely One, the gigantic Kamehaineha, in his remotest lair, THE BOY KING. 41 attacking in an hour when an assailant could be least expected. The swift canoes were dashing along under the black crags of Wailuku, near the entrance of Hilo Bay, the fairest stronghold of Kamehameha. Though the grim chiefs of Oahu were all giants in stature and skilful in warfare, what could a double- canoe and sixty nude warriors expect to accom- plish against the fiercest fighters of the Hawaiian king ? for Kamehameha was conceded to be the most powerful and savage and sagacious warrior among all the Pacific Isles. What indeed ! but to show to the hated bastard of Kahekili his own father that Kalanikupule was as fearless in war and as enterprising in seeking battle as himself ! It was the immature conception of a young Han- nibal, thus bearding his powerful enemy upon his own soil. True, he came not with strength suf- ficient to fight a decisive battle, but with daring sufficient to strike terror into the soul of his foe ; confronting him with a hardihood of courage and a spirit of adventure rarely equalled and never surpassed in the annals of warfare. HE sleeps ! the fierce Kameha* sleeps, In palace hut on Coco Isle ; While watch and ward the tempest keeps, And not a chief stands guard the while. There are who never come too near This Giant King, but come with fear ; Who think him born of Pele's kin, And tremble when his presence in. But one now comes from Molokai Who swears to conquer him or die. A monarch's look sits on his brow ; A warrior's deeds his name endow. A heart, that never knew to quail Within the ken of mortal view; A soul, that never knew to fail In any task it bent to do. CHAPTER IV. HOUGH the effect of these monstrous eruptions of Mauna Loa, and the fre- quent earthquake shocks that ever ac- company them, is sufficient to crush the strongest gale in an instant, it can rarely continue its subjugation only for a brief time. And while the wind-moter that has served to build up the great waves is hushed into silence and driven sea- ward for a time, still the huge billows are left turbulent and tossing, though deprived of their crests, rolling with more chaotic confusion than ever. Thus the favoring influence that kept the ill- fated Elenora from being dashed upon the wave- beaten coast alee, was the occasional earthquake oscillations still sweeping out from the land, act- ing like a strong undertow upon the vessel's keel. Though the teeth of the gale were drawn, the wind yet blew too hard in the intervals of terra- queous vibrations transmitted from the crater, for the ship to show much canvas in beating. So the task of clawing off from the foam -lashed shore which threatened them, as yet imparted but little hope to cheer them. 43 44 KALANI OP OAHTJ. The tall cliffs yet visible under the lee of the ship were the rocky crags of Hilo, between the Wailuku River and the " Swimming Gulch : " the latter, a long, deep ravine, down which the crimson lava- flood was pouring furiously, leaping like a mad river of blood into the sea, till the white, foaming break- ers hissed and boiled with increased fury by the contact. The Waipunalei, or the Swimming Gulch, is now the pilot's landmark for inward-bound ves- sels ; steering for it, they are enabled to avoid the dangerous reef-point making out from Leleiwi, which comprises the sole projecting arm of Hilo Bay. With this knowledge the Elenora might have kept away to the south and soon found an- chorage under Coco Isle, though wholly exposed to the rake of the wind. The war-canoes had disappeared the moment they passed the lurid track of volcanic light. When last seen entering the black night beyond, they were plying their sixty paddles with a sav- age energy promising soon to land them under the sheltering lee of Coco Isle. There, Kamehameha slept in his armed camp, which was felt to be more secure than the peopled shore of the adjacent bay ; for the thrifty Hilo district had but recently been conquered from a rebel foe. In the midst of a semicircle of neat grass houses built along the windward shore of the palm-clad isle, where dwelt the great king and his chosen body-guard of three hundred savage warriors, COCO ISLE. 45 there nestled a charming cluster of more preten- tious habitations, where towered the tallest palms of the cocoa-nut grove along the inland shore of the little isle. This was the palace-home of the wise and comely Kaahumanu, the " love-queen " of Kamehameha. With the queen dwelt Pelelulu, a natural daugh- ter of the Hawaiian king, whose half-divine mother justly claimed family connection with the goddess Pele, and still abode in her mountain-home among the volcanic fires at Kilauea, the palace-home of the family of gods. The intelligence and beauty of Pelelulu were the pride and wonder of the Ha-, waiian world. The heart of the Boy King had long been enamored with her fame. The task he had now set himself to do, was to slaughter her savage sire and his chosen warriors, and make the lovely princess his slave. To his great war-chiefs, Kalanikupule had placed the desire for battle before the romance of his love ; but deep in his in- most heart the gallant young king had given prece- dence to a wish to possess Pelelulu, above all the other motives of his life. In this innate preference for beauty before glory, we recognize the ever- present tenderness of a valiant heart ; a heart that does its best battling to win the high guerdon of a noble woman's love. The swift war-canoes, keeping to the shelter of the windward reef, dashed through the tumultuous waters of the Wailuku, where the fierce mountain river forced its way through the long line of break- 46 KALANI OP OAHTJ. ers into the bay. Stealing onward with hushed voices and impetuous paddles, the ghostly war- party darted like a black shadow along the very edge of the reef, where the last of the huge rollers fell in great sheets of milky foam, whose dazzling phosphorescence served to light their murderous way. Softly as a cat's-paw on a summer sea they glide along the romantic shore of Coco Isle, still unheard and unseen by their slumbering foe. Beneath the sheltering palm grove, where the long fronds droop tenderly over the palace-home of the Hawaiian queen, the warriors of Oahu moored their canoes and adjusted their arms for the deadly combat to follow. The darkness of the night grew yet more impenetrable, because of the gathering of hadean spirits who ever lurk adja- cent to murderous deeds. The wail of the wind through the swaying trees became plaintive as a dirge above new-made graves. The great breakers that floundered with voices of thunder on the far windward shore, stilled themselves into an aqueous lullaby, so harmonized were the elements in this last dread soliloquy of death. Sixty such grim warriors as these of Oahu, led on by their impetuous young king, who had grown up by their side in the din of battle, lithe as a panther and fearless as an eagle, was sufficient force to crash like an avalanche through any body of assailants who might bar their path. Men who had come a hundred miles through a terrible tempest to seek foemen worthy of their HADEAN SPIRITS. 47 steel were full of a purpose as irresistible as a thun- derbolt ; and terrible indeed must be the shock of battle if they meet their equals in the coming assault. Of the three hundred chosen warriors slumbering in the camp of the Lonely One their king there were some of the bravest fighters and strongest men the world has known. Yet among them all, gigan- tic as they were, the hugest and the strongest was their ferocious leader, Kamehameha the Great. But sixty men, awake and eager for battle, may prove more than a match for many times their num- ber, when the foe is being roused suddenly from sleep. Sixty ferocious men, glowing with warlike thoughts that burn like living fire, their strong arms made supple by the labors of the night, were not to be resisted by any number ; for they came to win, or to die ! And when does Victory not abide with noble souls, savage or civilized, whose only alternative, self-allotted, is victory or death in a battle planned with no provision for retreating. Moored beneath the shelter of the little isle lay twenty huge war-canoes of Hawaii, which must first be demolished, scuttled, and sunk in the five- fathom harbor to prevent immediate use being made of them in pursuit after the battle. Though Kalanikupule and his chiefs well knew that a sunken canoe, were it drowned in a hundred feet of water, was no difficult task for their country divers, men, women, or children, to unlade of their lava blocks or coral stone, and bring to the sur- face again. So this precautionary task was not 48 KALANI OF OAHU. deemed permanent, only sufficient for the time, to prevent pursuit during their home retreat. The enemy's canoes once disposed of, and their own swift ones headed to the north, with paddles in place ready for the homeward flight of all who survived the battle, one of the least mighty of their number was left in charge. Then the Boy King called his savage chieftains about him, giving his last orders before they took their positions for assault. One trembles when contemplating the tempest- uous passions of sixty such stark, mad men as were gathered about their magnetic young leader in the darkness of that Plutonian grove. Fire is not hotter than the roused heart-blood that coursed through their veins. The ferocity glowering in their dark eyes borrowed something from the elec- tric flashes preceding the thunder-peals above their heads as well as from an unsatiated thirst for battle. Though their great muscles could be worked with the elasticity of steel in the hour of action, they were now tightened into a tension rigid as iron until the vise-like hand-grip upon their spears and dagger-hilts were but a cruel waste of muscularity. As they listened to Kalanikupule's whispered or- ders and inspiriting words, every lip was muttering imprecations, and every finger becoming a talon intelligent with murderous thoughts to grapple the throat of the sleeping foe. There is a sublime grandeur in the inhuman pas- sions of a giant savage, standing thus statuesque, with foot advanced to leap upon his foe. But alas ! PREPARING FOB BATTLE. 49 it is the one link of nature forcibly reminding us of our kinship with the beast of the forest. What a dark gulf yawns between such condition of sav- age madness, whether in Christian gentleman or cannibal native, and the Christ-like spirit of prayer we commend to whom we love I As the scene of coming combat was made so dark by the deep gloom of the cocoanut palms, being unrelieved by either the volcanic eruption or other light, it was thought best to assail the camp only from the lee-side entrances, lest coming from opposite directions they might mistake some of their own party for the foe. True, this plan of proceeding left open the chance of some of the enemy escaping through the inrolling surf on the weather shore. But against this argument it was agreed that the body- guard of Kamehameha were of a kind not to seek method of escape when fighting for the safety of their king. The queen's palace, the temple containing the family idols, and the cook-house, were near the beach where the war-party had landed. As the mission of the Oahuans was more for the purpose of striking terror into the hearts of the Hawaiians than for any great havoc they hoped to accomplish, Kalanikupule was intent upon carrying off their queen, as well as the semi-goddess, Pelelulu, as visible trophies of his valor. Thus, when every warrior was in position before the houses of the Hawaiian chiefs, Kalanikupule <50 KALANI OF OAHU. and Bold, his puua hele (bosom companion), stole into the palace and seized and bound Kaahumanu and Pelelulu, and bore them to the canoe. This was but the work of a moment, sleep being but a pleasant condition of ansesthesia to a healthy woman. And before the queenly lump of adiposis and the lithe and graceful Pelelulu were fairly awake, they were carried hastily to the canoe, and left in charge of the warrior boatman. The abduction accomplished, the King and Boki sprang to their allotted task of grappling with the giant Kamehameha. Every door of the circle of huts facing the bay was already guarded by twos and threes, ready to assail the incumbents. The more imposing hut of the savage king was in the centre of the cluster; there stood Kalanikupule and Boki with drawn swords and native paloa (dagger) in hand, ready to give the signal of at- tack. Not a soul was visible in the intense dark- ness, yet in the black hair of every chief shone a starlike piece of phosphoric agaric the Agaricus muscarius gleaming above two savage eyes that flashed with electric warfire. This trick of the agaric, together with a band of white tapa about the right arm, were the distinguishing marks by which to know their party in the darkness of the night. With the first gleam of lightning sufficient to bronze into tawny gold the group of dark warriors before the huts, the young King waved his glitter- ing sword in the electric sheen as the signal to ASSAILING THE GIANT. 51 attack, and himself and companion sprang in upon the slumbering Giant with the demoniac yell of wounded tigers battling for their young. Only the ghostly light of a few slumbering em- bers in the centre of the room showed where lay the sleeping monarch, nude-limbed, upon his low couch of soft mats and pulu pillows. Suspended from the neat basket-work walls of the royal hut hung spears and javelins, and pahi (sword) and paloa (dagger), made with unusual ponderance for a giant hand. But nearer within his reach lay upon the floor the great warrior's favorite Laau palau (war-club), the dread of every chief who had battled with the Hawaiian king. It was not in the nature of Kalanikupule to stab a slumbering chief. Hence the yell of announce- ment, given with some sense of fairness; and an intuitive wish that his herculean foe should realize who were his daring antagonists ere death should sunder them forever. With eyes of living fire, the aroused Giant glow- ered with the utmost rage upon his youthful foe as he fairly awoke to the sound of the hateful war- shouts of his assailants. His large white teeth ground together with savage vehemence, amidst the muttering of muffled imprecations at this sud- den surprisal. The hideous scowl upon his fluted forehead was terrible to behold ; while his hairy scalp contracted until the coarse black hair erected with ire, waving and curling in the flickering fire- light like tortured serpents. 52 KALANI OF OAHU. Not a muscle of his great savage face gave evi- dence of aught akin to fear. Not even were the ferocious eyes permitted to protrude, or the ugly mouth to gape asunder as a token of dismay. Kalanikupule would have given his right hand to have seen but a single trace of cowardice pictured upon the coarse visage of his hated rival. But it was only by an instant's glance that either could measure the mental calibre of the other in that moment, as Kalanikupule sprang into the middle of the hale (house), seeking to find better scope for the swing of his descending steel. Planting his leffc foot fairly upon the ponderous war-club of the Hawaiian king, Kalanikupule smote down a double-handed blow with his long pahi, cleaving deeply into the head of the giant as he rose quickly from his couch. Kamehameha was a man of intensest action active in thought and plan, and instant in execution. Though taken at the utmost disadvantage as he was, he displayed a sublime courage amounting to the most savage ferocity. Although receiving a terrible sword-cut while in the act of springing to his feet, the gashed and bleeding king groped blindly about in the doubtful light of the flickering embers for a spear, and did such gallant work as a wounded warrior may. But the odds a.nd the weapons were against him, and he fell wounded and bleeding at the feet of the young King whom he had so often sought to dispossess of his throne. Instantly a glorious white radiance, more intense INTERVIEW WITH PELE. 53 than sunlight, flashed through the gloom of the dark hut as the great monarch fell with the crash and momentum of a Koa-tree of the forest. Though abashed and blinded by the sudden effulgence, it was permitted to Kalanikupule and his companion to behold the divine face of a beau- tiful goddess bending tenderly over the kingly form, as if with intent to recall the dying monarch back into life again. This accomplished, she lifted her gracious countenance with persuasive conde- scension to the face of the Boy King, with some- thing very akin to a smile of satisfaction rippling over her beauteous face. Though she snatched the fallen warrior from the death he was dying, she suffered her blue eyes to soften into more than human tenderness as she looked her approbation of the heroic daring of Kalanikupule. One instant the Goddess suffered the abashed eyes of the young King to dwell upon her, un- dimmed by the divine glory that usually veils god- head from human eyes ; then with a small, impe- rious hand, whiter than the snow-sheen upon her own mountain-tops, she motioned the young war- rior to begone ! It was Pele ! the beautiful ignipotent of Mauna Loa, whose mandate is the law of the earth, and whose divine bequest constitutes the utmost happi- ness when bequeathed to the sons of men. To have tarried longer when thus dismissed, or to endeavor to get possession of his fallen enemy, would have called down upon his head a volcanic 54 KALANI OF OAHTJ. flame that could burn him to a cinder. With fear, and trembling at the supernatural sight they had beheld, the King and Boki withdrew out into the black night again, where, as soon as they could re- cover from the effect of the divine radiance within, they sprang among their fellows to grapple with other foemen. And it was well they came to the rescue as they did ; for the first gleam of lightning showed need of help at more points than they could fill. The warriors of Oahu w r ere being hard pressed by over- numbers, and were falling fast in the fray. But the King and Boki each chose a weak point to retrieve, and let fall their fresh blows with tell- ing effect, shouting, as an inspiriting cry to their followers, " Ue Make Kamehameha ! Ue Make Kapu Alii ! " (Dead is Kamehameha ! Dead the Sacred Chief I) This struck dismay to the Hawai- ian s, who instantly changed their battle-cry to wailing. Then Oahu's braves struck home with renewed energy, until the remaining Hawaiians lost hope and fled into the adjacent breakers, and the royal camp of Coco Isle was won. Only wailing women and shrieking children were left to mourn over the heaps of dead and wounded braves. It was now time for the decimated warriors of Oahu to gather up their dead and wounded, arid fly. For in spite of the roar of the surf and the lingering tumult of the gale, the loud shouts of the embattled hosts, and the shrieking wail of the WINNING THE BATTLE. 55 women, had roused the people across the bay on the Hilo shore. Lights were now seen along the whole crescent of the bay, from the roaring waters of the Wailuku to the peaceful Waimea ; and dur- ing the brighter flashes of lightning, or the dying gleams from Kilauea, numerous canoes could be seen embarking fresh warriors for the defence of their king. Applying the torch to the palace and its out- houses, and to every warrior's hut forming the camp, Ivalanikupule manned his canoes with the re- maining moiety of his chiefs, and departed by the light of the burning houses, the volcanic eruption having nearly subsided. Hugging the inner line of breakers, where the tremendous surf fell and floundered on the inner border of the reef, the thirty unwounded braves of Oahu plied their paddles lustily for the mouth of the harbor. The great surf, curling its ghastly crest thirty feet above their heads, showed with terrible magnificence in the gleam of light from the house-fires of their foe, serving also to shelter the retreating Oahuans from observation, while in no way endangering their safety because of prox- imity; for while the breakers rose in awful gran- deur high above them, they broke and fell so ab- ruptly on the inner verge of the great coral reef that the fleet canoes could make use of the smooth and snowy sheen of foam directly under their lee. Ere the weary warriors had fled an hour upon 56 KALANI OP OAHU. the homeward track, the wild gale of the night died fairly away, and the grateful land-wind began to assume its aromatic sway. Creeping slowly down from Mauna Kea, through wide fields of fern-trees and mountain flowers, the delicious land- wind brested back the lingering gale until it fairly withdrew seaward to its ocean caves. As the-canoes passed the "Swimming Gulch," the wild waves along the shore were seen steaming from their hot tussle with the fiery lava. Though the eruption had ceased far back in the mountain, there was yet left miles on miles of flowing lava to find its way down the mountain to the sea. The color of the fiery river in the gulch was already cooling to a cherry -red, and would soon grow slug- gish and interrupted in its flow, and cool to a shining black. It was by this intrusion of the flowing lava upon the sea that the long East Point was made, now extending fifteen miles out into the deep ocean. Thus the volume of some of these lava- rivers from Mauna Loa exceed the utmost concep- tion of one who has not looked upon them for himself. Though the eruption we have described flowed but a day, it is more often the case that they flow for weeks and months, shining by nighf with a radiance that can be distinguished a hun- dred miles away. As soon as the land-wind had gained sufficient strength, so that the constant tossing on the fitful PROPELLED BY THE WIND. 57 seas would not spill the wind from their sail and make it useless, the great mast was stepped in its place, and the tri-cornered sail was set, causing the swift canoes to take wing with the speed of home- ward birds. ON Kea's crest the sun arose, And crowned with gold his wintry snows ; As were a yellow mamo cast, To hide the throne of Midnight past. How long the Princess watched for day ; To learn her fate be what it may. Unclothed her virgin budding breast In unaffected nakedness ; Yet round her nude young form she prest Her raven locks her only dress ; Disclosed her bosom's rise and fall, While his dark eyes held her in thrall. Not long she mourned her Hilo home, For ere they'd reached Upolu's foam, She learned she was Kalani's prize, The noblest king 'mong all the Isles ; Who turned on her his kingly eyes, And taught his heart to love her smiles. But touch the master-chord of love, How glad most maids from home will rove. 58 CHAPTER V. HEN day dawned upon the weary war- riors they were already forty miles away from the scene of their fight in Hilo Bay. Then Kea put on his crimson crown to greet them, gilding his wintry snows with bewitch- ing ruby in kingly commendation of their deeds. Fairer morning never dawned upon the volcanic snow-peaks of Hawaii. In this kindly greeting of nature Kalanikupule recognized the fostering care of Pele, who had promised him success before the outset of his un- dertaking. She had indeed shown him greater recognition than was ever proffered to earthly king before. It was thus left to the Boy King of Oahu above all men born of woman to rightly in- terpret the smiling symbol of three gigantic moun- tains crowning their heads with gold and ruby to greet him on the morning of his victdry. Kea and Loa and Hualalai, rose-tinted all by the refracted rays of the yet unrisen sun, were greeting the youthful victor and his scarred and bleeding braves as never was victorious king greeted before. Grand and beautiful rose the tripple mountains in solitary grandeur into the morning sky, lifting 59 60 KALANI OF OAHU. so clear cut against the blue ether that they seemed within the easy reach of whomsoever would climb, yet they were successively one and two and three score miles away. Below, where all was yet lying in shadow along the mountain's base, misty valleys and far-off for-* est lands lay robed in purple haze, now fast grow- ing soft and softer in the morning sheen ; and now becoming gold-tinted and tremulous with the first lance-thrusts of the reflected light in the Orient, where met blue ocean and bluer sky. More than ever after the wild storm of the pre- vious night do these monarch mountains impress the reverent beholder with their exquisite sense of repose. Power and grandeur lie hushed in brooding revery not slumbering but half re- cumbent as one roused from repose, reverent and rapt, in peaceful contemplation of a waking world. Whether savage or civilized, the heart of man ever acquires a God-ward lift while contemplat- ing the primordial majesty of lofty mountains. To Kalanikupule and his war-worn braves the titanic peaks above them were but emblems of the majesty and the might of Pele. They saw the all- pervading influence of their goddess in the very aspect that the kingly heights put on. In the rainbow hues, slow dawning upon the snow-crowned peaks, they beheld the tripple smile of their special deity exulting over the human car- nage her earthly warriors had wrought in battling with their foe. SUNRISE ON THE MOUNTAINS. 61 Goodness is never a component part of a barba- rian's creed of divine greatness, or of almighty power. Evil overtops all their conceptions of Deity. A god who does not terrorize his worship- pers fails to arouse or retain the obsequious hom- age of the savage mind. Though the awe of a savage is easily aroused by the sublime and majestic in nature, being born with the same innate reverence inherent in all men, yet it is always overtopped, outflanked, and followed after by a long train of demoralizing, grovelling fears. In the blue column of gyrating smoke curling lazily up from Loa's volcanic peak, the ardent wor- shippers of Pele behold her in a suspicious state of inaction, with nought of peace or repose, but cruelly brooding over some new evil by which to terrify or destroy the sons of men. They ever judge their dread Creator by what she creates in her hour of wrath ; as a warrior is judged by his fierce deeds in battle not by his amenities to his fellows in times of peace. As the day dawned fairly upon that little band of fleeing warriors, with their ghastly rows of stark dead and numerous wounded laid out upon the platform-deck between the canoes, the eager, king- ly eyes of Kalanikupule and his captive princess met for the first time in their lives. It was the supreme moment in all their young experience of life. Though Pelelulu had been snatched from her sleep during a midnight storm, and borne to the 62 KALANI OF OAHU. canoe of an invading enern}' in the midst of the war of elements, and a darkness made lurid by light- ning's glare and volcanic eruptions, yet the keen- witted maiden had not been long in discovering who hacl captured her. And where in all the 4%t Eight Isles " of Hawaii was there a maiden who would not rejoice to be captured by the heroic son of Kahekili the Thunderer? Born of a semi-goddess, Pelelulu's kinship with Pele made her almost superior to human fear of human things ; so that even the fearful scene she had listened to of clashing spears and frightful shouts of frenzied men in battle, and even the sor- rowful report that Kamehameha was dead, had not so dismaj^ed her as might seem, for she now sat fearless and self-possessed in spite of her captive situation. Watching with all a youthful maiden's curiosity for the dawn of day, Pelelulu had awaited with the utmost eagerness to behold the young hero whose fame had already filled the Hawaiian world. The dawn of a tropic day is long in coining, its only prelude being the deeper darkness of the antelucan hour. But it came with its usual abruptness at last, and four alert and sparkling eyes met as hu- man eyes have rarely met before. One pair of these large, soft orbs looked to see the fierce eyes of an exultant warrior glowering down upon her with something of the lingering fe- rocity that dominated while her captor was slaugh- tering her sire. But the look of rudeness or fierce- THE ROYAL LOVERS. 63 ness Pelelulu looked for was not there. Instead, there beamed a swift look of compassion upon her; a kindly glance that fast took on a degree of soft- ness and tenderness, that over the whole wide world of human experience has yet found but one name holy enough to, consecrate its sentiment. As the gray dawn fairly unveiled her captor, all that is grand in physique, and noble in intellect, seemed to Pelelulu to be grouped together in har- mony of form and face in the Boy King before her. The athletic exercise of steering the flying canoes by the deft use of his paddle, imparted a glow to his olive face, and displayed his nude and hand- some figure to the best advantage in a maiden's eyes. Tutored or untutored, the gentle heart of woman is the same everywhere ; and we may not -wonder that the large gazelle eyes of the maiden princess were found revelling in the manliness of the heroic King. As these noble scions of royalty were both de- scended from the Spanish maiden Opala, who was wrecked on Pele Point two hundred years before, they both partook of similar characteristics, exalt- ing them eminently above their subject peoples. Though the young King was but eighteen at this time, yet he was more than six feet in stature, pos- sessing the finest degree of adiposic symmetry con- sistent with such great strength and wonderful activity as he ever showed upon all occasions de- manding prowess. The face of the young warrior at this age was 64 KALANI OF OAHU. frank and open, his whole appearance being im- pressive and attractive, full of youthful grace and majestic mien, such as would distinguish its pos- sessor in any rank or in any land. His well-poised head was crowned with black and curly hair. His eyes were dark and piercing, easily penetrating the designs of whomsoever he looked upon. Before his ireful glance in the hour of battle the fiercest chieftain among his warriors quailed as before a demigod. It will be readily conceded that here was an ideal type of barbaric man, endowed to win the confi- dence and secure the homage of his warlike peo- ple, and one to captivate a maiden's heart upon the instant of contact. What wonder that the young princess, endowed with kindred beauty and equal in- telligence, though the daughter of his bitterest en- emy, should look upon her kingly captor as a god ! Had he not dared the wild tempest of a stormy sea when the fiercest known gale was abroad upon the midnight deep ? Had not the divine Fele given him a supreme token of her love and fostering care, illuminating the midnight darkness and the storm- lashed ocean as with the sun of noonday ? For his sake, had not the dread Pele hurled her earthquakes against the contending elements, till the loud-mouthed winds hushed their brawlings, and the monstrous waves slunk back into the cav- erned deep to let him pass ! the inky darkness retreating before her glance like cowering wolves before the fierce eye of the hunter. PRELUDIAL LOVE. 65 Before the recent advent of Kalanikupule there had been no rival to the gigantic prowess and war- like genius of Kamehamaha. But now, had he not slain the Lonely One with his own hand ! Kameha- meha, titanic in stature above all men ; monstrous in his might as the leviathan of the deep, and fiercer than a whirlwind in his hour of wrath ; a warrior before whose blows the great chiefs of Oahu had fallen like trees before a tempest ! Ah ! how the young heart of the captive maiden glowed, while swift, delicious thrills mounted up into cheeks and eyes as the morning light sud- denly unveiled the warrior-king to her longing eyes ! Now that the combat was over, who could be more gentle arid tender in his every aspect than this same ferocious warrior of a few hours since? The compassionate softness she discerned in his dark eyes seemed borrowed from the cooing wood- doves Pelelulu had left behind. There was ten- derness, almost tremulousness, in the resonant tones of his voice when addressed to his captive his slave. The kindly smile upon his kingly lips when speaking to her seemed but the veriest ripple from an ocean of warmth within, delving down into the maiden's heart like a sudden sun-burst after a storm. When the King spoke to Pelelulu on that dread morning, his words seemed something more than words however warm and winsome words may sometimes be ; he spoke to her with emotions, 5 66 KALANI OP OAHU. winged like springtime birds when seeking among bees and blossoms for a mate. As young flowers when bursting from bud into bloom open eagerly to receive the warmth of the morning sun, and nurture in fond dalliance upon the wind and dew, so the heart of the captive princess opened its inmost petals to the warrior's smiles as she fed with girlish delight upon every word uttered by the youthful King. While such were some of the essentials in the character and appearance of the King, Pelelulu was in no respect his inferior ; possessing every endow- ment of imperious beauty attributed to her clime, winsome in manners, with the quick intelligence one might look for in the daughter of a great mon- arch, and a semi-goddess on the maternal side. Those who knew the young princess best dwelt most upon a magnetic charm which ever capti- vated the stranger before she spoke. In this qual- ity, more than her matchless beauty and dulcet voice, the people recognized Pelelulu's kinship with Pele. However much Kalanikupule may have been influenced by this ever-prevading magnetism of his captive, he seemed to dwell most on her soft, dark eyes, and the delicate tinting of her pearl- white cheeks, as they glowed into swiftly-recurring damask under his ardent gaze. The first act of the abashed young princess, when day dawned upon them, and she found her- self so prepossessed with Kalanikupule, was to free, PRELUDIAL LOVE. 67 with her rosy fingers, the wet tangle of her long, black, wavy hair. Though Pelelulu was as nude as Godiva but for this trailing vestment of mid- night tresses yet because of her untouched purity she was not in the least abashed by the rude presence of Oahu's barbaric warriors. In her case there was no need to constrain the eyes of either the curious or the connoisseur, as in the instance of the Norman noblesse, for all know that primitive innocence is a far more impenetrable vesture for a pretty damsel than self-conscious virtue. For this latter vestal is often a cunning adept in the knowledge of man's love of contour, and of her own abundant insufficiencies ; thus her own numerous abnormalities real or supposed serve to excite her blushes, which might otherwise have been controlled before an unobtrusive admi- ration of her self-satisfying charms. Smoothing her jetty locks from off her girlish brow, with many a furtive glance at her royal captor, Pelelulu draped her luxuriant masses with a dawning sense of modesty about her unrobed form : a figure that might well have served as a maiden-model for the Cnidus Venus of Praxiteles. Her simple toilet thus completed, by trailing her one only garment like a banner of night about her, Pelelulu suffered her proud eyes to dwell im- periously upon her kingly captor unquailing and undismayed. She gazed as one meeting the ques- tioning glance of her equal ; like one attired as best comported with her youth and beauty and rank ; 68 KALANI OF OAHU. even sufficiently becoming for the august presence of n King and his victorious warriors. This unterrified demeanor in his pretty captive, together with the charm of her remarkable beauty, so won upon the receptive heart of Kalanikupule, that, she whom he had snatched for his slave, and as a token of his scorn for her sire, grew to be contemplated as his future queen. Wishing to know more of her mental calibre, he addressed her with this purpose in view : 44 Wahine ! I am Kalanikupule of Oahu. I snatched you from the side of Kaahumanu, to make you my slave. What say you, Wahine ? " girl- With dark eyes flashing with scintillant lights, and a tempest of supremest scorn curling her voluptuous lips, Pelelulu made instant answer with look and gesture, while prudently tarrying to restrain herself with queenly dignity before re- plying. 44 Sire, it is the part of a captive princess to obey. Pelelulu, of Hawaii, will demean herself as becomes the daughter of Kamehameha the Great, whom you have slain." 44 It is the duty of a victor to sacrifice his prisoners in the wahi kapu sacred places of Pele. As Kaahumanu has escaped, you are Oahu's only prisoner, by which to propitiate the gods. What say you, proud maiden ? " 44 Pelelulu is the prisoner and the slave of Kalanikupule. It is truly- the duty of so noble a king to remember his just immolations to the PRELUDIAL LOVE. 69 goddess the great Pele who loves him, and makes his arm strong in battle. The great king, my father whom you have slain would have sacrificed a noble warrior to his country's gods. But a less noble than he may content himself with sacrificing a wahine a girl ! " The glorious scorn of those impious young ej^es, while answering, acquired an untold charm for the King to look upon ; prompting his ardent heart to clasp this resplendent creature to his bosom with- out more ado. But he forbore yet a little while, to further prolong the new pleasure he had aroused so successfully. " You speak truly, Wahine. And Kalanikupule must strive not to be less noble than his father's bastard son. Pelelulu, you are fair as the dawn that comes blushing over the sea-tops yonder, to greet you as its peer. Your cheeks are tinted like the rose-crest on Kea's snowy crown. The light- nings that lit my way to battle were less vivid than the glittering scorn in the dark eyes of my captive. Wahine, my heart warms to you ! I would proffer you the half of my name than which there is no greater in the Eight Isles and make you my queen. Would it like you, maiden, to be called Kupule, and be made the queen of Kalani, of Oahu, the fairest Isle under the sun ? " The choice phrases of a king are as drops of gold to his people. A maiden's ears ever lie open to her heart in such an hour ; and a monarch's words flow like a rivulet into her soul. The heart 70 KALANI OF OAHTJ. of Pelelulu was not shut to this praise of her beauty, and the scorn, yet lingering in her eyes, gave place to soft tints caught from the mellow clouds in the Orient. " Oahu's King is a great warrior. Pelelulu has often seen yonder mountain peaks brighten with glory, as now, on the morning of the victories of Kalanikupule. He is the best beloved of Pele, else he could not have slain the Lonely One. It becomes a great King to wed with his peer. An Alii Kapu " sacred chief "should not suffer himself to wed either a prisoner, or a slave ! " This noble reply of the young girl served but to add fuel to the flame of the King's admiration. His voice softened to the cooing of the fragrant winds that now wafted them over the seas. His dark eyes grew tender as he listened to her proud, sweet tones. Here was a maiden who could not be had for the asking. She must be won, and he would win her. " True, Wahine. I hear the voice of Alohalea in your tones. You speak with the wisdom of one so near akin to Pele, who has often spoken to me of you in my dreams, and bid me go seek you for my queen. And now that my ears are open to the music of your words, I know you are indeed born of a goddess, and very near akin to Pele. I have seen that you are beautiful, and I have learned that you -are fearless and noble. None but a great King should possess you. If there is a greater in all the Isles than Kalanikupule, and you PRELUDIAL LOVE. 71 love him, breathe his name, and I will forsake the homeward track and take you to your lover." 44 You are indeed great arid good, and the gods have not sung your praises wrongfully. None but Pele has heard Pelelulu breathe the name of him whom she loves. But while I remain your slave, your captive, it does not become me to disclose the -name of the favored one ; for, while in bondage, Pelelulu is unworthy of a noble lover." " But you are a slave no longer ; you never were a slave ; for a spirit like yours cannot be held in thraldom. Liberty is a bird that will sing on though imprisoned in a cage. It was only the darkness of night that imprisoned you, for since the dawn crept up over the hilltops of the sea, you have been free, and the best beloved of Kalaniku- pule. Is the name of Kupule unpleasant to your ears?" "Kupule is a pleasant name. It greets my ear like the songs of singing birds and rippling waters. She who possesses it should be noble and brave, as she will be happy in the love of Kalani, the bravest warrior in all the Eight Isles." " You have called me Kalani ; you have robbed me of the sweetest half of my name. You have transgressed a sacred law of our country. Do you know that there can henceforth be no more Pele- lulu among all the wahines of Hawaii ? " 44 1 know that the name of my girlhood is no more ; it was buried beneath the foam-crests far behind, in the track of your swift canoe. It is 72 KALANI OF OAHTT. the will of Pele, and the law of the land, that Pelelulu shall be spoken no more in Hawaii." 44 Then Kupule is your name, and you shall be- come the queen of Oahu. When one name binds two hearts, they are indeed made one." 44 There can be none sweeter, for it is the half of your own. I can already see it written in let- ters of gold upon the crests of the seas, and the night shall disclose it rimmed with stars in the sky. Behold it on the mountain tops, waving in red banners of glory. Alas! if my ears* were not dull, I could hear the birds make music of Kupule! Kupule ! the whole day long. It will sing in my heart for ever ; and it shall know no dishonor from the daughter of Kamehameha the dead king of Hawaii." 44 It is well. The canoes speed more swiftly because they bear the young queen of Kalani. Our love shall date from my great victory of Coco Isle. I will henceforth be to you father and mother; in Kalani you shall find a husband and lover in one. From this hour you are Tabu for Kalani. It shall hereafter be death to whomso- ever permits his shadow to fall across your path. Proud chiefs shall bow down when you pass, or their heads shall fall as over-ripe fruit from the tree, arid be sacrificed to the gods, because of their breaking the sacred Tabu of their King." 44 Yes, it is well. And Kupule will love her King as no other wahine in Hawaii could love him." PRELUDIAL LOVE. 73 "Aye ! it is indeed well. And you shall be my queen ; and because of your wisdom, your voice shall be heard in my council. Pele has long since told me of 3^0 u ; she has so charmed my heart that I could no longer delay, but gathered my great chiefs and went forth upon the war-path to take you for my queen." " Kalani is a great warrior; his battle-deeds will never be forgotten. And because Pele is your friend, there can be none found to resist you in battle. She filled all the dreams of my girlhood with thoughts of Kalani. When I swam in the Wailuku, my heart was full of music because of you. When I coasted the great breakers on the reef, I learned to be brave that I might be fitted to become your queen. Did not Pele whisper to you of my love ? " "When Kalani stood upon the shore of Maui, and looked over the wild Upolu sa to the moun- tain land of Hawaii, the divine goddess has whis- pered your name into his ear. In my fair isle of Oahu it came to me in bird-songs. There the trade- winds sing of your beauty the whole day long." " You make me happy ; so full of joy I fear my heart will burst with delight before we reach my new Oahu home. Our bards sing often of your sweet Nuuanu vale." " The valley of Nuuanu is the heaven-land of our Island world. In the Goddess's Fountain, on the sacred hill, the great Pele has permitted Ka- 74 KALANI OF OAHU. lani to look often upon thy fair face in the holy waters of her fountain. And because of thy beauty, seen therein, I strove from my boyhood to become a great warrior, that I might win you for my queen." "If Kupule is fair to look upon, she is glad, because of the love of her King. Pele has made me what I am only to match the kingly fancy of Kalani. We will love her for this goodness to her children. We will worship her ; for there is none greater than Pele, the goddess of volcanoes, the creator of the world." " Great is Pele, the goddess of Kilauea ! Greater than Lono, who is the crazy god, and comes to us in great mokus (ships) like Cookee and devours all the food of the land, and kills the Kanakas while they are worshipping him in the temple, and filling his ships with pigs and taro." " Great indeed is Pele ! Greater than even Moa-alii, the terrible god of the sea ; the devour- ing god who overturns the canoes and feasts upon multitudes of Kanakas. But for Pele, my young warrior would never have reached my Hilo home, and won his greatest battle, and snatched his will- ing bride from out the darkness. For was not Moa-alii angered because of your coming? and did he not tear the wild winds into tatters, and lift his mad seas into mountain billows, that they should hurl Kalani upon Kohala's shore ? " "But Moa-alii is a coward! For when the di- PRELUDIAL LOVE. 75 vine Pele arose in her might, did not the fierce sea-god, and his angry winds and his mad seas cower like whipped curs, and slink away into the caves of the wind and the depths of the ocean?" 44 Great indeed is Pele ! She has made the heavens and the earth, and brought the sun from Tahiti to shine upon us all." * 44 In our kingdom of Oahu we will worship Pele above all the gods of the world. In rny great temple at Waikiki we will sacrifice heaps of kane, puaa, and hua (men, hogs, and fruit). And Paao, the great high priest, shall make a Tabu until all the land of Oahu shall become dark at midday, and Silence shall steal over the land like a white ghost ; and no voice shall be heard to speak in the sunny vale of Nuuanu, or the misty valley of Manoa, or along the white beach of Waikiki. No voice shall be heard but that of the Alii Kapu (sacred chief), praying to Pele in the great heiau at Waikiki." 44 Auwe ! auwe ! how brave is Kalani, to come over the wild Upolu sea, to find a little wahine for his queen. Did not the heart of Oahu's King beat loudly at the anger of Moa-alii, and the black storm with which the fierce god covered the waters?" 44 The heart of Kalani is not a maiden's heart. * Kana, disliking the darkness of his day, walked through the sea to Tahiti, where lived Kahoaalii, the sun maker. Hav- ing obtained it, he returned, and Pele placed it where it has since remained, for the benefit of the world. Hawaiian History. 76 KALANI OF OAHU. Because Pele bid her young warrior go and cap- ture a beautiful Queen for Oahu, he knew no fear. When Moa-alii's storm seemed about to swallow Kalani and his great warriors, then Pele remem- bered her promise, and showed her face to her Alii Kapu, lighting the pathway of our waa (canoe) as with a thousand suns." 44 And did Pele, the beautiful goddess of Mauna Loa, become visible to my King? And did she dance upon the fiery billows of lava, and ride upon its fountain top where it leaped into the sky, as I have seen her do when the Lonely One was out upon the war-path ; and when my mother took me in her arms to Kilauea, and left me to pick berries with my infant hands on the brink of the crater, while she leaped down into the Hale-mau- mau to swim on the boiling lake with Pele." "She danced with delight on the red crest of the lava, to gladden the eyes of my warriors. And as my young Queen in her girl-days plunged down the great falls of the Wailuku,so Pele, tiring of dancing on the fountain jets of her lava, plunged down the rushing river of fire into the Swimming Gulch, there to greet her young war- rior as he passed he and the great Chiefs of Oahu. Even then in the hour of tempest, when Kalani's ears were deafened with the mad winds and the roaring seas ; when the earthquakes rocked the Isles like ships on the sea, even then the good Pele whispered in my ears of a wahine PEELUDIAL LOVE. 77 maikail a beautiful girl on Coco Isle, sleeping by Kaahumanu, and dreaming of her warrior." " Ah ! great King ; and now I may tell you that such was indeed my dear, sweet dream, when you snatched me from slumbering beside the queen. I knew not then it was you, but now I know it was Kalani, the noblest and the bravest of kings. My dream was of a great war-canoe coming over the sea from Maui ; the waa was full of warriors, and one, nobler and grander than all the others, smiled upon me as I sat on the Hilo shore ; sat watching the swift canoe being drawn by flying gods having eyes of red-lava and wings of fire. What wonder that I love you, you. who are like a god ! " FROM Maui's shore to Kawaihai The war-canoes are passing by, With full intent to battle meet If Hawaii dare to meet their fleet. Or on the sea or on the land A vastly busy scene we view, Among the fleet or on the strand Confusion marks the most they do. The sacrificing Priest we see Red immolate to tierce Moa-alii ; High on the cliff the blood doth flow, The carcass hurled to gods below. They pray Moa-alii smooth the sea, And bid Eurus guide from dangers free. As those of eld Eolus cry, Who bags them up his leading gales ; They rend the bags and let them fly, When tempests tatter all their sails. Thus in Cathay the boatmen burn To Joss, their god, the perfumed prayer, Where'er the yellow rivers turn Some castled hill, or Pagod fair. 78 CHAPTER VI. URING the morning hours the great war canoe had been sailing at tremendous speed along the Kohala shore, freighted with her dead warriors and wounded chiefs. Among the grim and exultant chiefs sat Kalani and Kupule, discoursing with bright eyes and tender tones upon subject-matters mostly ap- pertaining to themselves. They had now arrived off Upolu Point, the extreme northwest cape of Hawaii. The black cliffs, so full of terror on the night before, were objects of fear no longer. The huge undulations heaving in from the eastern board the recent storm-billows shorn of their crests now serve to lash the whole northeastern shore into such stu- pendous breakers, that the enemy could not embark in pursuit if he would. The swift canoe now overtook and passed the Elenora, the ship Kalani had saved from wreck the night before. The vessel was now bowling along under all her light kites, speeding on her way through the Upolu Strait, thence on to Kealakea- kua Bay, where Captain Cook had been killed some few years before. 79 80 KALANI OF OAHU. In the casual events of life, how often we seem to approximate some condition of things or indi- vidual influence, by which or by whom our whole future life might have been changed for subsequent good. The meeting of the ship and the canoe; of John Young and Kalani ; was a remarkable instance in question. The influence of no man so impressed the future destiny of the King of Oahu for evil, as Keone Ani, after he was restrained from returning to the Elenora, and made a great chief by Kamehameha. It was this sagacious boatswain who counselled the enemies of Kalani to build up a strong fleet, and drill a thorough army, officered and led on by white men ; and to bide their time for conquest until they could arm both fleet and troops with European weapons of warfare. And it was by the skilful use of Keone Ani's cannon that Oahu's rampart walls were eventually broken down during the final conflict. And it was also by this same Keone Ani's hand that the Boy King met his gal- lant death at last, while fighting the desperate battle of the Pali. Had Kalani possessed the foresight and sagacity of Kamehameha, at this time, he would have in- duced the Elenora to go to his capital port of Honolulu. It needed but the asking, when they met thus in the Straits ; for at that time there were no greater admirers of Kalani and his war- riors than the captain and the noble-hearted boat- swain of the Elenora. The king's war-party had CROSSING UPOLU. 81 saved the white man's ship from certain destruc- tion, and they would gladly have become his friendly advisers at this juncture. But the young King's experience with other white people and their ships had not been pleasant, thus he failed to see the immense advantage that might be derived from his association with the better class of maritime foreigners. By so doing he too could have obtained munitions of war, and induced skilful white men to enlist in his service ; thus enabling him to compete with his great rival of Hawaii. But failing to see the importance of this in time, the unrelenting fates pronounced his sad and cruel doom. The canoe now left the land, and stretched out into the rough waters of the Upolu Sea, where strong winds and swift currents contend between Hawaii and Maui. The land wind had served them well thus far, but was now becoming baffling and unsteady. Now blowing in wild gusts from out the mountain ravines, and now giving way to the strong onset of the freshening trades, which struggled bravely to secure their right of domain over the Upolu Sea. In the intervals of calm, between the battling of the land squalls and the sea wind, Kalani ordered his unwounded warriors to bring their paddles into play, himself taking a paddle, as Kupule volun- teered to steer ; for the lithe young princess was handy with surf board or canoe, fish-spear or paddle. And it was with a lover's delight that 6 82 KALANI OF OAHU. Kalani watched the deft young creature guide the great war-canoes, with an exquisite show of muscle and skill. It warmed the hearts of even the wounded warriors, to see the ravishing young blood leap into the pearly cheeks of the maiden, as every muscle and sinew of her girlish figure was brought into extremest play. Her eyes sparkled with roguery, and her bosom heaved like a young billow with exultation ; while the trailing masses of jett}^ hair forgot their office of vestment, and streamed like a black banner in the wind alee. She was overjoyed to be of service to her dear young King, and delighted to receive the grim ap- probation of brave and bleeding warriors, who forgot their pains, and ceased their maledictions and their groans, in watching this charming crea- ture act the steersman, where naught but the nicest application of subtle skill could serve in the place of the usu^l muscle and brawn expended by a steersman. When afe length the trades struck down the passage strong and steady, Kalani took the guid- ance, steering across the rough Straits, and soon reached Kana-loa, the southernmost part of his kingdom of Maui. They soon found themselves coasting along under the shelter of grand old Halakala the kt House of the Sun." In a few hours they passed between Isle Molokine and the Kula district ; the wind following favorably after them through between the islands, until they approached the low level of Wailuku, between the ARRIVE AT LAHAINA. 83 towering Halakala and the lesser mountain of Eka. Here the fierce " wolly waus " tore through the gut, and whitened the smooth sea along the beach, until the great canoes tore on with utmost rapidity, and soon passed Opilu Bay and the Island of Ranai. The moment the flying canoes passed the last point, and approached near enough to be distin- guished by the people of Lahaina, it was seen that many a missing one was laid low. Then a wild wail of mourning broke from the gathering group upon the beach, sweeping in dismal cries over the sea, and up the steep slopes of Eka's sunburnt side, whose peaks were just then robing them- selves in the sombre hues imparted by the setting sun. It was well known to all, that every warrior who went forth to battle with their King, was chosen from among the noblest and the bravest chiefs in all the Isles. Hence the wild grief of the people ere they knew who were dead. For whosoever the dead ones might be, they were worthy of the profoundest grief, and would receive a great national mourning. But, as the great double canoe approached nearer, and was at length run upon the black sand beach abreast of the Maui palace, one of the chiefs, hailing from the bow of the canoe, pro- claimed that Kalani their loved young King was safe and unwounded ; and Kamehameha the terror of the Isles was dead ! Then the mournful wail was at once turned into a tumult 84 KALANI OF OAHU. of joy alike for the death of the giant king and the safety of the living one. And when their young monarch sprang joyfully ashore, leading proudly by the hand the royal princess of Hawaii, proclaiming her as Kupule the "Queen of Oahu ! " the shouts of the glad populace were deafening, in the wild exuberance of such various emotions ; for the laugh of a tran- sient mourner is the more hearty because of the grief that has gone before. The fame of the princess of Hawaii for beauty and wisdom, and kindliness to the down-trodden people, made her beloved throughout the group. And her presence among them told at a glance that Kalani had won his battle, else he could not have borne off from the camp of their arch enemy the charming Pelelulu, the- 44 Haaheo 5 Hawaii ! " Pride of Hawaii. Wild was the jubilation, and joyous the feasting on that eventful night. While here and there grouped the ostentatious mourners making the tropic night hideous with their cries. Those of the dead warriors belonging to Maui were given into the hands of the tabu priests of that Island, a tabu being proclaimed, and a cruel human sacri- fice instituted over their manes. Those of the dead chiefs belonging to Oahu were sent on to that Island, with orders for Paao, the high priest, to bestow honors and sacrifices upon their obse- quies. The news that Kamehameha was slain filled the SACRIFICE TO MOA-ALII. 85 whole land with rejoicing. His resistless feats of arms had made him a constant source of dread throughout the leeward Islands. Freed from the dread of encountering the savage Hawaiian in future battles, the war-like chiefs of Maui at once began to instigate a plan for the invasion of Ha- waii, with a view to taking possession of the Island before the panic-stricken people could organize under a new king. This ambitious design was finally acquiesced in by Kalani. A small, but well-equipped army, with canoes sufficient for their transportation, were hastily got ready in Maalea bay. In less than a week the army was ready for embarking, starting out from that part of the Hana district lying opposite to Kohala. Even with many prayers and numerous sacri- fices to the gods, Kalani had not been able to establish communication with Pele ; thus he was compelled by the force of events to embark upon this bold expedition, without having obtained divine sanction, or sufficient secular encourage- ment for hope of success. But the ambition of young hearts bends everything to their wishes, and Kalani was at length determined to undertake the conquest in spite of the ominous silence and probable disapprobation of the dread Goddess of Mauna Loa. Failing to awaken the sanction or sympathy of Pele, the last hours before embarking were given to the timely worship of Moa-alii, the fierce sea- 86 KALANI OP OAHU. god. From every headland about the Kana-loa rose the sacrificial flames ; and rended limbs and gory portions of human subjects were tossed from the cliffs and capes to Moa-alii, and his ravenous tribe, awaiting the savory repast in the blue sea below. This example of dual worship is by no means confined to the Hawaiian Isles. The first solicitations in all lands are usually offered to a people's best conception of the divine, and over- ruling One. But, failing in immediate response to the wishes of the supplicator, how frequently is the lesser conception, the underruling One appealed to ; lest our human schemes for human aggrandizement should fail for want of extraneous aid. Moa-alii was thus often indebted to Pele's tardy recognition of the warlike schemes of her people for many of his gory repasts upon human manes. Yet so wedded were the king and his people to the belief that Pele's sanction was all-important to the success of any warlike enterprise, that it was with many misgivings that Kalani now made his final preparations for embarkation; and this secondary worship bestowed upon the sea-god was not entered upon with relish, nor found quite suf- ficient to awaken the desired hopes of success. The obsequious attention of Kalani's Alii Kapu to Moa-alii, at even the eleventh hour, served to ensure a prosperous voyage across the ever-rugged waters of Upolu ; and with this hope to sustain them, fifty double canoe loads of warriors em- KAPU KANE. 87 barked "before dawn, while the trades were yet blowing lightly. The straits were crossed ere the sun had tipped the snows on Mauna Kea with their diurnal glory. Keeping along the adjacent shore of Kohala, a landing was made at Kawaihae without any re- sistance from the scattered forces of the enemy. The native soldiers stationed here being wholly unprepared for invasion, fled in hot haste to the mountain fastness. But messengers were dispatched in every direc- tion ; and in a few days an army of Hawaiians more than twice the strength of the invaders was concentrated in the mountain ravines, which was duly reported to Kalani by his numerous spies and local friends from the Kohala and Kona districts. The fame of Kalani was already such that even the out-numbering army of Hawaiians hesitated about attacking his irresistible warriors, led on by such an impetuous hero. Thus demoralized by their fears, they resorted to uses of cunning and stratagem. Sending out small war-parties, they gathered here and there upon the foot-hills above the Oahuans, endeavoring to tempt them to battle, with a pur- pose of drawing the invaders into an ambush among the mountain gorges by this display of weakness. But the scouts of Oahu were frequently coming in, reporting the continuous reinforcement of the Hawaiians, until a great army now lay ambushed among the hills. By the advice of a war council, Kalani had sent to Maui for more men, as it was 88 KALANI OF OAHU. considered imprudent to attack at a disadvantage in an enemy's country. Though Kalani was too proud to retreat without giving battle, yet he now hesitated with more than usual misgivings, because there had come no pro- pitious signs from the volcanic world, or other au- spicious concurrence of events to intimate the needed sanction of Pele. Thus situated, the priests now proclaimed a terrible Kapu Kane man tabu and taking possession of the great heiau at Kawaihae, they sent out their ferocious pepehi Kanakas (man- killers) in every direction, entrapping a score of natives too old to run, or too young to fight, but sufficiently acceptable to sacrifice to the obdurate Goddess of Kilauea. Throughout the whole night long the hours were made hideous by the sad wail- ing of the mourners and the howling outcries of the priests invoking divine aid from Pele. While the numerous priests were thus wrestling with the gods, and the wise diviners were disem- bowelling the dead, during the process of the sac- rificial rites, Kalani had immured himself in the holy of holies, the sacred house within the en- closure of the Temple, and given himself to fast- ing and prayer, and that degree of dramatic enter- tainment most acceptable to the sex of his dread divinity. With the King was the royal AJcua pua his divine bird-god richly decorated with rare feath- ers and costly pearls; together with the brilliant jewels long since descended to the kings of Maui POSING FOR THE GODDESS. 89 heirlooms from the old Spanish priests wrecked in their rich argosy upon Pua Pele centuries before. As an ardent maiden decks herself in finery to please the lover's eye, so the Boy King now adorned himself in best attire, ready to receive his beloved Goddess in state. Upon his head was the proud helmet worn by his great father, the fierce " Thunderer," richly adorned with yellow feath- ers, the kingly color, and gayly plumed with the crimson tail-feathers of the tropic bird. Depending gracefully from his shoulders hung the far-famed Mamo of a long line of kings, yel- low and glistening as polished gold. This exqui- site mantle was made from the hair-like feathers taken from the weird little iiwi birds, whose wild- wood notes are as strange and guttural as their name would imply. Not the richest fabric ever woven for European monarch could match this costly war-cloak of the kings of Oahu. Tired of his long, prayerful obeisance, Kalani was now seen posed like a gladiator on guard to receive his foe. In the one hand glittered the tremulous point of his long paloa, and his two-handed broad- sword was in the other. Both sword and dagger were presents given to Kahekili by the courtly Vancouver, whose judicious influence over the sav- age kings was much more humanizing than that of the ill-fated, injudicious Cook. Cutting and thrusting at an imaginary foe, Ka- lani had possessed himself of an appearance of sav- age fury, as he menaced and manoeuvred before his 90 KALANI OP OAHU. unseen antagonist, in futile endeavor to attract the attention of Pele, either by the adornment of his manly person or the imposing postures of a warrior in act of battle. Alas, alas ! was this heroic god- son of Pele right in supposing that the divine ones of either heaven or earth could be imposed upon by such an exhibition of vanities ? Judge him not harshly, for he was wiser than we know. Exhausted with his manual exercise in panto- mimic battle with a mimic foe ; his fierce lunges and swift slashes with his jewel-hilted sword ; the wary feints and cunning stabs with his keen paloa into some grim battle-ghost of his brain, Kalani at length sunk down upon his divan of soft lahala mats and pulu pillows, and was soon overcome with profoundest slumber. How long Kalani slept, he knew not. But sud- denly the whole outer world was convulsed with throes that shook the rocking sphere to its centre. Was it a divine behest, or a dread retribution at hand? To those without there came at first a long, low muttering as of distant thunder. Then the light of the stars was put out, quenched upon the instant as by the black outriders of a coming tempest. Then followed the quick succeeding earthquakes, rolling with terrific noises down from the high mountains to the wave-lashed shore. Down top- pled the lesser mountains, rent to their base. Torn were the great cliffs along Kohala's shore, until they tumbled headlong into the sea. "I AM PELE, YOUR GOD!" 91 It was Pele ! She had awoke at length to the impending necessities of the hour. She had di- vined with the swift retribution of godhead, that evil was predominant, and justice must be meted upon whom it would fall. The fate of the Island nations trembled in the balance, awaiting the divine adjustments of her hand. Kalani had dreamed that he was being ingulfed by a red river of fire, rolling down from Kilauea. But as the swift-flowing lava approached, and seemed about to overwhelm him, a voice from out the starless gloom spoke to him, saying : "Aloha! Kalani. Fear not. Is not Pele the godmother of Oahu'sking?" And the fiery river divided about him, and went roaring down upon the one hand and the other ; destroying the two ambushed armies of the enemy ; harming neither himself nor his embattled war- riors : no, not so much as singeing a hair of their heads. A WHIRR of wings aroused the King's surprise! In voice divine he heard the Goddess call, And there 'unseen stood Pele 'fore his eyes, Her godlike silhouette discloses all. Wind-blown her tresses pinions in repose Her hands upon his shoulders, cold and chill! A woman's form her sun-made shadow shows, Whose lips upon his own awake a thrill ! Dead lay the army, stricken by her might, No living. soul e'er woke to tell the tale! What awful power disclosed to human sight; Well might the warrior King recede, and quail ! Some died with hope-illumined faces seen, Their feather mamos wrapt about the head; Some died with horror, prostrate on the green ; One sulph'rous breath from Pele laid them dead ! 92 CHAPTER VII. ^ ND in Kalarii's dream, one in the semblance of a fair woman came and sat by him ; and with her dainty lips, crimson as the red ohea, she snatched away his breath as he slept, saluting his sensuous mouth with her hallowed kisses. Such was the ardor of the fair one of his dreams, that she awoke the sleeper from his vision of love and glory. And he awoke. And the eyes of Kalani opened upon a blaze of intensest light, dazzling him near to blindness with its brilliance. In a rolling cloud of white sulphurous smoke and yellow flame stood the beautiful Goddess, even Pele ! the creator of the heavens and the earth. Bending like a loving woman over the half- awakened King, the lustrous blue eyes of Pele looked tenderly -down into the dark orbs of the boy warrior, as she impetuously bid him arise, and hearken to her counsel and commands: " I am Pele ! I have come to counsel with my young warrior of Oahu. I have come to admonish him that his ambition is too lofty vaulting into the domains of godhead for if an eagle soars too near to the sun, his pinions will be seared, and he 93 94 KALANI OF OAHU. will fall maimed back to the earth again. Be wise in time, for the days of all men are numbered. Enough ever lies at hand to enrich the noblest ; beware, lest you reach too far off for plunder ; or stretch your hand over the domain of Godhead. " Kalani has brought his fleet of brave warriors across Upolu Sea, without sanction or assent from Pele. He has feasted Moa-alii the hated sea-god and come abroad to capture the great kingdom of Hawaii, whereon stands the fiery throne of Pele. " But there lives a greater than Kalani in this land of mountains and rivers of fire, and Hawaii is his kingdom. Kamehameha, who was slain by the valor of my Boy King, though he was dead, yet is he alive again ! This land is his. I have said it ! It is Kamehameha's, and he shall rule it ; though there fall the heavens, and the earth is rent in twain ; he, and his noble descendants, even to the tenth generation of men. 44 My hero of Oahu : there are others for you to flash your haole kanes paloa upon (white man's dagger). Even while I counsel with you, a power- ful king and great warrior is preparing to wrest your own beautiful kingdom of Oahu from your rule. Go home to the new wahine I have bestowed upon you, arouse you, and behold the battle afar off, lest you be found wanting in the time of need. " Hear me, Kalani ! The young moon is now at hoaka (two days old), roaming among the stars like a thready crescent of gold ; yet an hour before the time of kulu (full moon), ere she has filled her INTERVIEW WITH PELE. 95 maiden zone with glory from devouring many stars, see that your battle-line is formed on the steep hillside of Nuuanu, or the offspring of the Thun- derer will be known in the land of Oahu no more. " Open your ears, that you may hear ; for it is Pele who lifts the veil of poeleele (darkness) before you. I will hang the yellow kulu in the western sky, till her white sheen lies like a roadway of silver between the gap of the great breakers leading into your harbor of Honolulu. Watch you in that hour, you, and the fair young Queen I have given you, for afar off upon the sea you shall behold the waas of Kauai, bringing Keao and his warriors, who are more numerous than the whistling plovers on Waikiki's sandy shore. " Fight the battle which I now permit you with the ambushed foe among the mountains, lest your gay plumes droop like a fowl's in a storm, then hasten to your own fair isle. Bid every war- rior whet his weapons into its utmost keenness ; mend his spears and paloas, for the blood of Oahu's braves shall flow in your beautiful valley of Nuu- anu, until its streams shall be redder than the hue of my rivers of lava. " But out of much evil may come some good, even to those who suffer and toil ; such is the method of the gods. In that day the battle shall not go to the strong ; else my loved young hero must go down. In the hour of your final victory you will love whom you love with a devotion you 96 KALANI OF OAHU. cannot bestow to-day, for she is wiser and braver than you know ; for is she not akin to Pele ? " Be cunning, and watchful, and full of the cir- cuitous wisdom of the serpent, in your warfare with the sons of men. As the battle is not to the strong, so the race is not to the swift. The sharp eyes of a great warrior spies the end of battle afar off, and layeth deep his cunning pitfalls before the footsteps of the foe. He appears to his eneir^ in unexpected places, until fear possesses the heart of whom you would ensnare, lest the one pitfall he has discovered should be only one of many. Lest, because his one weak flank has been assailed and crushed, so the other likewise may be in danger from a hidden snare he cannot discover. Thus your foe flies because of your greater cun- ning in the hour of battle. 44 You, and your Alii kapus, should have praise because of your frequent worship at my wahi kapus (sacred places^), and your numerous sacri- fices of kanakers at the great Tieianu at Waikiki. Above all the sons of men my Boy King of Oahu is the pride of my heart ; fierce in battle as the mountain eagle, and swifter than the wind when he pursueth the retreating foe. Yet other battles shall he win, greater than all that have gone be- fore ; and Pele will guide her young warrior's hand in the hour of combat, and shield him from peril in the thickest of the fight. Though Kalani shall yet fight and win ; because of my love he shall die young, and become a god. ADMONITION OF THE GODDESS. 97 " But Kamehameha is also my lover, and his worship is pleasing to my sight. He only has had courage to climb my lonely mountains without fear, and sit on the fiery brink of Kilauea without trembling. Even the black night and the moun- tain storms do not appall his great heart, for he has witnessed the wild revels of my gods of Ki- lauea, when I have spoken to him with tongues of liquid fire, and whispered to him with my voice of many earthquakes. Thus, because of his love for me, harm shall come to him no more from the hand of man not even from Kalani and his king- dom shall increase because of his bravery in battle, until there are no more kingdoms in the Eight Seas to conquer. " Because of Kamehameha's love of the solitude of my lonely mountains, he is called the ' Lonely One.' But he came with a wish to see my face, and a great heart may bend the heavens to its will ; and I came and sat by his side, for the gods love whomsoever can venerate without fear. " Thus it came to pass that in the reign of Ka- laniopuu I conversed in person with the Lonely One, as I now make myself visible to Kalani, and promised him the kingdom of Hawaii. On the death-bed of the old King, I bid him send for Kamehameha and bestow the half of his kingdom upon him. And he did it, and died. Kameha- meha's battles with the rightful heir, Kiwalao, ac- complished the rest ; and he is sovereign king of 7 98 KALANI OP OAHU. Hawaii, he and his descendants to the tenth gen- eration. " But Kalani is my hero, in whom I take delight. His beauty is a joy to Pele, and she has given him a princess such as the world of men has not seen before. The valor of my Boy King had won the heart of the wahine, and she loved him long ; and you shall make her your Queen, and Oahu shall rejoice in her wisdom and her beauty. " Be not vainglorious, for behold already your fame is enthroned among the stars. Because of your heroism, and our mutual love of warfare, Pele will now permit her young warrior to, go forth and win a battle over the Hawaiians. They are already gathered in legions among the moun- tain glens above you ; ambushed after the best manner in the knowledge of men. " But because they have become too vainglori- ous, and have performed no Kane kapu (man tabu) in my sacred places, Pele will now show her almightiness to her people ; such a witness of divine retribution as shall live forever in the mem- ory of men. " Go forth, Kalani ! climb the steep sides of Kea with your small army of Oahu braves. Seek the fierce hordes of Hawaiians in the central of the three valleys ; you will find them eager to meet you by the one, and ready to ambush you by the, two. Of the two armies lying ambushed in the valleys on the right hand and the left, take ye no heed ; though they think to pounce upon your rear, and PELE'S AID IN BATTLE. 99 destroy yon, Pele will set the seal of her might upon them, for they are ungodly men. That which we accomplish in your aid this day, shall make your battle of Mauna Kea the most famous in the warfare of men. 44 On the one army to the left, Pele will lay her hand lightly, as when a sea-hawk swoops among the winged fishes and seizes but a few ; not all of these shall die, because of their leader, who has worshipped me often in secret. But upon the army ambushed to the right, exulting in vainglory and scorning the gods, the weight of our just in- dignation shall fall. Though the sunlight shall lie brightly upon Kalani and his battling warriors, those of his foes to the right shall die. For I will breathe with my fiery breath upon them, and they shall drop down one by one like men in sleep ; singed and burned like a moth in the camp-fire, and not one of all that host of fierce warriors shall awake unto life again. 44 So go forth to battle, and fear not for the result ; for though your foes are quadruple your army in numbers, not one of that proud army which most could harm you shall live to fight you. It shall be a token to all the world that Pele is mighty in her wrath, the one dread power above all others, most terrible to behold in the day of retribution. " To Kalani of Oahu, the love of Pele thus be- stowed, shall become the mightiest power of his kingly crown. Kalani is my best-beloved hero 10D KALANI OP OAHU. among the Isles, because of his youth and manly beauty, his invincible courage in the front of battle, and the religious abundance of human sacrifices in the great Heiaus of his kingdom. 44 1 depart now to my palace home in Kilauea. But v in the hour of battle I will sit upon the moun- tain top and watch your great feats of arms. When the battle is done, you and your blood-stained warriors shall go and look upon a whole army of dead Kanakas, retributed for a cause. Take warn- ing by what you see ! 44 The token that Pele is pleased with her young hero in that hour, and that she stands invisible by his side in womanly admiration of his deeds, shall be the dark spot I will lay upon the sun while I abide with you. This, and the more visible token of one lone puaa (hog) being seen rooting, swine- like, among the dead warriors whom I have slain, because of their sins and my great love for Kalani. Aloha! kuu hoa Kalani." (Love to my friend Kalani.) With a smile of unearthly sweetness, and a lin- gering, tender glance from fond eyes of iris hue, the flame-cloud in which Pele had sat, rose heaven- ward in majestic splendor, fading slowly and almost imperceptibly away. The stillness of death reigned in that little sanctuary after the departure of the divine guest from the great Jieiau of Hawaii. The thoughts of Kalani were as thoughts of molten lava; his young soul was fired with the brilliant deeds of 101 valor he would accomplish in the presence of the divine goddess of Mauna Loa. He questioned, in his heart, if the figurative language of Pele was to be accepted as having a literal meaning. Would she indeed enter in person into this unequal war- fare with the Hawaiians ? Time alone could tell. In the outer world all was again calm. The shock of earthquakes had ceased, and the heavens had become cloudless, and the morning stars were twinkling the last good night to their dancing re- flections in the tranquil sea. The stern voice of Paao the great high-priest was heard wailing in sadness and sorrow, because of his insufficient prayers, or ungenerous sacrifice of human victims, having failed to bring acceptable acknowledgment from the gods. And yet his human holocaust had numbered his victims by the score. Paao had received no sign as yet of the divine presence of Pele, and knew not that she had veiled her proximity from the lesser Alii Kapu by the earthquake, and dealt alone with their young King within the holy of holies, and gone forth to her mountain throne again. But suddenly the tones of Paao's mournful outcries were changed into exultant cries of joy ; for without the rumble of an earthquake, or other indication of Pele's being aware of his anxious oblations, there, upon the dawn-touched snow-crest of Mauna Loa, jets the red lava with its finger of fire into the sky, rolling down the mountain side in a river of blood toward the sea. 102 KALANI OF OAHU. For an hour the fiery eruption flowed forth in red vomit that outcrimsoned the dawn, and then went down as suddenly as it came. The priest now proclaimed his glad tidings to the army with- out the walls of the heiau ; announcing by the loud-voiced heralds that because of his long wrest- ling in prayer, and his holocausts of dead Kane, Pele had at length come to their aid and promised them victory. Paao was still kept in ignorance of Kalani's in- terview with the Goddess, which was held secret because of the prophetic counsel imparted, that might perhaps serve to discourage the less brave chiefs of the army. For had not Pele imparted to Kalani the dread news of her having restored Kamehameha to life again ? Had she not also asserted the renewal of her love for the grim and hideous giant of Hawaii than whom none were held in such unseemly fear, because of his mur- derous havoc in battle, and his cunning policy in peace ? And had Pele not further announced that the kingdom of Hawaii should remain Kameha- meha's, and subsequently be permitted to grow on until it swallowed up all the other kingdoms of the Eight Isles ? Alas, had she not told Kalani that a great king and brave warrior was already secretly preparing an army to invade his beautiful kingdom of Oahu? Who could it be but Keao, his traitorous uncle, the fierce old king of Kauai. Here was a danger, indeed ! ANSWER TO PRAYER. 103 The brother of Kalani's dead father, knowing the weakness of Oahu's army, from the long con- tinued wars with Kamehameha, was designing to steal, like a tempest at midnight, upon the coveted kingdom, while Kalani was abroad contending with the Hawaiians. This news would greatly dishearten every warrior in the five kingdoms, for Keao was known to be terrible as a thunderbolt in the first shock of his battles ; and but for the past aid of his allied forces, the army of Oahu could not have sustained themselves against the terrible onslaughts of the Hawaiians. Above all, had Pele not warned Kalani that he should die young ; that he could not be permitted to outlive the latest deed of his coming glory? Alas, alas! with all the world so bright and beautiful before him, to die young and leave his charming Kupule, whom he had already learned to love better than his life. Alas ! to die and leave his fair isle of Oahu, with its fruitful valleys, and its sea-gardens of rare pearls and countless ocean treasures. Oahu, with its odorous forests of sandal wood ; its countless groves of yellow orange, and red ohea-trees, where sing the o-o and the royal iiwi. An Isle so precious in the sight of deity that Moa-alii the terrible sea- god is set to guard it, caverned in his subter- ranean den, deep down under the great coral reef near the sacred heiau of Waikiki ! Well might the young King exclaim, in bitter anguish, as he contemplated the brief span of life 104 KALANI OP OAHU. allotted him by the Goddess : " Auwe ! auwe ! Aloha, kuu Knpule ; aloha, kuu aupuni o Oahu ! " At the earliest dawn of light, Kalani called the leading chiefs of his army about him, simply inform- ing them that he had received a revelation from Pele during the night, and bid them prepare to march with all haste upon the Hawaiians. They were soon upon their way, pressing forward up the deep central valley of Waimea, leading to the mountain fastness, where the enemy were seen flaunting their banana leaves, and brandishing their spears in defiance. With a strong rear-guard in charge of Boki, ready to face about and defend the rear from a hidden foe, who were expected to close in upon them from the valleys on either hand after they had passed, Kalani led on his foremost rank of chiefs in person, because of some misgivings expressed among his more prudent warriors. Marching straight up the central valley of the three, which debouched from a common centre on the steep mountain-side, hoping to fairly encounter the middle corps of the Hawaiians before their two ambushed wings could be brought into action upon his rear, Kalani found the cunning enemy steadily falling back, decoying him up the valley, with a view to their flanking armies being brought into action before battle was offered in front. Still Kalani pressed boldly on, while the curcu- bita drums and bamboo fifes did their utmost to enliven his dispirited army, who liked not the cer- PRELUSIVE HORRORS. 105 tain peril of their position. They had marched nearly up to the head of the valley before the re- treating enemy showed signs of coming to a stand and offering battle. There were ominous clouds shrouding all the great mountain peaks above them, as they pressed on in breathless haste for conflict. Kea was hidden in more than midnight blackness. And from the more remote brow of Loa came an angry mutter- ing, in prophetic keeping with the threatening clash of arms, as the serried ranks closed in upon each other for a death grapple at last. The terrible blackness which so lowered upon them was not that of a thunder-storm, for no rain fell, and no lightning was visible. Momentarily the gathering gloom increased, creeping down more and more upon the valleys, until no man could fairly distinguish the face of his fellow. As the dismal blackness closed in fairly upon them, the sulphurous fumes blew into their faces, until every soldier stood aghast with weapon in hand, cowed by a peril more deadly than that of war. Suddenly this horrible cloud rent asunder, and the storm of gray ashes fluttered down like snow- flakes upon the grass and trees. Above them showed a narrow, cloudless rift, through to the heavens beyond, down which burst the morning sun ; until the birds sang, and the swaying fronds of the countless fern-trees glistened in his ray. Then the two awe-stricken armies rushed into combat, fighting hand to hand with the utmost 106 KALANI OF OAHU. desperation of frenzied men. Each of the contend- ing nations accounted the sudden rift in the sul- phurous cloud as a good omen, intended especially for themselves. Both were worshippers of the divine Pele, and it is not an unusual occurrence in this world of ours for both the saint and the sinner to each think themselves the most worthy of sancti- fication, to the utter exclusion of all others. As the contending armies fought on, swaying to the one side of the valley and the other, they heard the hoarse rumbling of earthquakes in the adjacent valleys, invading their ears like muffled thunder. It was apparent to all that Pele was angered with some one, and was abroad upon the war-path, bent upon destruction. And because of the conceits of men, each thought the dread God- dess was about to chastise the other. Only the favored King of Oahu knew the true meaning of the clouded heavens and the rocking earth. And knowing the tender, cerulean eyes of the beautiful Goddess were looking down upon his swift deeds of war, from her mountain eyrie above the clouds, Kalani fought upon this eventful morning as never young hero fought before. One after another of the savage chiefs of Hawaii, deeming it their spe- cial mission to slay this over-valorous foe, leaped from the ranks to confront him, and went down before his flashing pahi, as falls a gnarled tree before the blast of a tempest. Soon the ranks of the Hawaiians were broken, and they fled, hiding themselves in the thickets of THE BATTLE OF KEA. 107 fern-trees and among the lateral ravines of the valley. As }^et nothing had been seen of the dual army that was expected to close in upon their rear from the adjacent valleys. " Where are our am- bushed forces, from which so much was expected ? " was the question asked by the numerous skulking Hawaiians, as they listened with anguished hearts for some sound of combat down the valley, when they hoped to again take courage, and fall upon the doubly-beset Oahuans. But only the song of summer birds among the fern-trees, and the hum of prolific bees among the hollyhock and hibiscus flowers, met the anxious ear. The sun still looked brightly down upon the Oahuans as they gathered up their wounded and returned cautiously down the valley. Yet still the black clouds rocked and rolled to and fro upon their either hand, and occasionally a breath of sulphur fume invaded their pathway as they re- turned below. A few dismayed prisoners were taken as the Oahuans retreated, the bewildered scouts from the two divisions of ambushed Hawaiians. Some of these prisoners told a frightful story of some of their division to the right having been swallowed up by an earthquake, and the rest were hurrying down the mountain to escape further destruction ; their leader sending on these scouts to warn the other division not to attack the Oahuans with hope of being supported. But what had happened to the left-hand division none as yet knew. 108 KALANI OF OAHU. Leaving a guard with the prisoners and the wounded, Kalani now wheeled his army through a ravine leading to the other valley, with a hope to encounter the laggard division of the Hawaiian army. He had not marched far before he did en- counter them indeed ; they had fought their last fight with Pele, and were now an army of dead men ! Not a soul in all that warlike host remained alive to fight or flee from the victorious soldiers of Oahu ; dead, dead everywhere ! Rooting inquiringly about the gallant corpse of Kapiolani, their gigantic leader, was the one lone hog spoken of as the token that Pele had remem- bered and accomplished her promise to Kalani. The astonished swine next turned his attention to the brave and beautiful chieftess Moimoi, as she lay clasping the hand of her dead chief, and pressing her ashen lips to her dead lord's. So they had died ; expressing to the last an affection that death could not sever. Some of the noble chiefs appeared calm and without trace of lingering fear, as though they had dropped quietly to sleep by the wayside. Some were found in the attitude of supplication, but with naught of fear on their heroic faces supplicants who demand justice, not mercy, when they plead with a cruel and relentless god. But the faces of most of those of the common order were contorted with the most abject expres- sion of fear ; such men as die prematurely from apprehension, before the final death comes pleas- ARMY SLAIN BY PELE. 109 antly to their rescue, men who die twice with every deathbed. The brave had died with a lin- gering hope upon their faces, lying crouched down upon the mountain grass in best position to retain their breath, awaiting hopefully for the sulphurous cloud to pass away that they might attack their foe ; but a greater than Kalani had assailed them, and they died. One fair young couple a youthful chief and his winsome warrior wife lay reclining against a great rock on the hillside, locked fast in loving em- brace, pressing nose to nose in fond national salu- tation ; each clasping the dear loved one confid- ingly, until the lamp-of-life went out, ushering such as they to a brighter than earth can bestow. Seeing the live hog rooting among the dead war- riors, reminded Kalani that it was one of the tokens which should denote the divine presence of Pele. Turning to the sun, which just then burst through the inky pall of cloud that still hovered over this valley of Death, there, also, he could readily dis- tinguish the dark spot upon his face of fire, which was to comprise the token of double assurance that the divine Goddess of Hawaii would be round about her hero King. In spite of the heat of battle he had undergone, and the torrid sunshine pouring down upon him, instantly a cold thrill of awe crept over the stalwart frame of Kalani, as the awful conviction dawned upon him that the dread Pele the arbiter of bat- tle, the creator of the world was standing before 110 KALANI OF OAHU. him in the broad light of day ; but in such complete invisibility as not to be distinguished even by one who knew her to be there. Strong and piercing were the glances of his dark eyes, as he flung his questioning look above and about him everywhere. How his great heart leaped with desire to look upon the beautiful Deity, with her hair of woven sunshine and flame, and her eyes of a kindred hue with the summer skies. But noth- ing in the form of godhead was visible to his hu- man eyes. True, the sunshine failed to reach down upon the grass and flowers within an irregular circle at his feet, though there were neither tree nor cloud to intercept his burning ray. And yet the shadow was not dense and strongly outlined, like the shade cast by material things, only that it took on the figure of a graceful woman, uncumbered by other vesture than her abundant hair. Though only this impalpable shadow could be defined, nevertheless, every intuition of Kalani's roused young soul ad- monished him of the presence of the one only god, above all other gods in the land. As the young King stood thus, in the tremor and pose of expectation, suddenly two light hand- touches were laid daintily upon his shoulders soft, ghostly, invisible hands followed by the loving pressure of two cold lips upon his own red lips of fire. Tenderly and lovingly they clung, as when two earthly lips are about to whisper their farewell " Aloha ! " INVISIBLE HAND TOUCHES. Ill Although Kalani knew it could be none other than Pele thus saluting him, yet he shrank back appalled, chilled to the heart's core with super- natural apprehension. Was it reality or some trick of fancy that so impressed the warrior King ? Was it but a cold snow-breath creeping down from Kea's wintry crown that perpetrated this oscula- tion upon him, so like to the kiss of a loving woman ? Or might it not have been but a damp wind-gust stealing into the sunshine from the densly wooded ravine before him? Who can tell? Still the flimsy shadow of a graceful, womanly form lay upon the alert grass and the exultant flowers. And while yet he questioned the Divine Shade with yet more watchful eye, he beheld it swell and sway ; now to the one side, and now to the other; like the respiratory oscillations of a living being, or perhaps in answer to the keen interlocu- tion of his soul, as eye may answer eye when other lovers stand questioning face to face. Presently a change took place in the outline of the shade upon the grass, and the added shadow of two uplifted, fluttering wings were plainly dis- tinguished ; followed by the gentle fanning motion of the hot air impelled against his upturned face, as when a dove seeks sudden flight, and the shadow was seen upon the grass no more. But as Pele winged gently upward, on Tier way to Kilauea, there came a loving message fluttering back into Kalani's tensive ear, saying, in the melodious voice of a singing bird, u Aloha, ka'u 112 KALANI OP OAHU. Moi ! " (Love to you, my King ! ) Adding what could only be interpreted by loving ears, as, " Be brave ! Be strong ! For is not Kalani of Oahu beloved of the gods? " And the dread presence of the divine Goddess was felt no more. Turning his eyes with a ques- tioning look to the sun, Kalani saw that the de- lusive spot upon its face was gone. And his respiration deepened, and his tensile muscles re- laxed, so that his rigid limbs became supple again. And as the blood-stained young warrior regained self-consciousness, he ordered the retreat of his victorous army, for his far-famed battle of Mauna Kea was won, and recorded among the stars. Leaving the many hundred dead warriors thus slain by Pele, to their transcient sleep of death, Kalani returned to Kawaihae, and filled his canoes with plunder. At night, when the strong trades of the day went down, the great fleet, with their war-worn and weary, set sail with the favoring land wind for Maui. There they related their tales of daring, and the miracle performed in their favor by Pele, which thus enabled them to win their great battle of the Mountain. From that hour their Keiki Moi (Boy King) was almost deified by his people. The influence he had acquired over the dread .Goddess of Kilauea was unprecedented in the knowledge of men. They little knew of the terrible weight of pro- phetic wisdom borne in the heart of their young monarch, because of the introspective glance Pele 113 had permitted him to catch of the irrevocable future. Oh, the kind wisdom of the Creator, in dropping an impenetrable veil over the future in the lives of men. Though his curtains are flung wide, down the remotest Past, untrammeling our retro- spect in whatsoever direction we would gaze. 8 SEE the home of Kalani ! long the palace of kings How 'twill gladden to-night o'er the Beauty he brings I There the sweet-singing O-o will sing to my bride, And our dark-eyed Wahines come sit by thy side. Look there on Ntmanu ! enchanting it lies, Like a dream-land of beauty dropt down from the skies; There the orange and plantains luxuriant grow, -And the streams from the mountain exultingly flow. See the palms of Waikiki lean over the sea, Their fronds in glad welcome are waving to thee ! On its bay of blue waters thy waa shall ride, And the Mermaids of Pearl Garden sing to my bride. 114 CHAPTER VIII. EAVING a small force in charge of Maui, Kalani hastened the departure of his army for Oahu. He took Kupule along with him, together with several young chief- tesses who had become attached to the beautiful princess during her sojourn at Lahaina. Word had just been brought from Kauai of Keao's disaffection, and that he was rapidly collect- ing a great army for the purpose of capturing Oahu. Rumor stated, that because of Kalani's ambition to possess Hawaii, Keao feared that his warlike nephew would next undertake the inva- sion of Kauai. So the fierce old warrior had aroused, and now hoped by a bold stroke to possess himself of Oahu, while Kalani was away upon his foreign invasion. Taking the flower of his Maui army along with him, and leaving a few of the least serviceable chiefs behind, Kalani spread his sails to the fresh, fair trade wind, and the great fleet winged their way along the southern shore of Molokai. Early in the afternoon the foremost vessels of the fleet passed Koko point, and skirted Koria's fertile shore, where the wind became light, and it was approaching night when they passed Diamond 115 116 KALANI OF OAHU. Head, and coasted just without the long line of gigantic breakers abreast of Waikiki. Every canoe feeding out their hoarded morsel to Moa-alii as they passed his caverned home under the reef-bed in front of the great Heiau built in the mouth of the Manoa valley beyond. Here first Kupule saw her new Oahu home, peering out from among its great king-palms and large bread-fruit trees, far up the beautiful vale of Nuuanu, than which nothing is more charming in all the Hawaiian world. While the evening was approaching, and they were coasting along the unbroken surf, stretching from Leahi (Diamond Head) to the harbor's mouth, Kalani pointed out his seaside palace, seen in the midst of the great cocoanut grove at Waikiki. To the right of the palm trees rose the massive walls of the great heiau, with its temples and towers, and sacrificial places within ; where in the terrible Kapu Kane, thousands of human offerings were sacrificed in the service of Pele and Moa-alii. To the left of Waikiki glowed Puawai the Punch Bowl mountain in the setting sun, loom- ing like a monstrous storm-billow dropped in un- broken grandeur upon the plain. Where its frowning battlement of jutting rocks, and turret peaks of gray lava, overlooked the town, was now flung to the breeze a yellow tapa flag, to signal the approach of the King. On sped the fleet with the soft-blowing trades, clinging to the white line of coral reef, and keep- THE BEAUTIFUL NUUANU. 117 ing just without its roaring, floundering breakers, whose crests were now gilded like oriental domes by the dying day. Kalani's heart was made glad as he passed countless scenes of happy boyhood days, while he pointed out to his blushing bride elect his fair kingdom of Oahu ; his royal palace of Nuuanu the barbaric home of a long line of warrior kings. Here luxuriant nature seemed to have completed a grateful task of love. Grouping together in the fair Nuuanu vale her utmost beauties for a kingly home. Here flourished every fruitful tree and prolific vine, and grew the greenest grasses and the rarest flowers, with heaped-up rugged mountains to overlook and overawe the completed whole. A wide-mouthed valley, blue-marged by the sea, and blue-rimmed by the distant sky ; narrow- ing downward from the far skyward hills, where the mountain gateway of the dizzy Pali opens above the sea into the sky beyond. Green with the ceaseless perennity of a thousand varying hues, the Nuuanu expands as it descends in easy slopes down to the reef-barred harbor of Honolulu. The green lawns of the valley are only separated by a coral sand-beach from ocean's rarest madre- poric sea, wherein the thousands of sun-swarthed children swim, from the hour of birth to the octo- genarian days of decrepitude. Here the youth of adolescent age, whether wahine or kane, may dive in playful pastime for the gaudy shells, the rare- hued corals, and the opulent pearls. Here they 118 KALANI OP OAHU. fish from the inner reef-edge, whether for pleasure or profit, with never a doubt of abundant pastime for the children, or of readily accorded sufficiency to the lazy housewife's demand. Crowning a palm-clad knoll upon the east side of the valley, Kalani had already pointed out the vine-covered palace of his sires. About it's nu- merous outbuildings were fine old bread-fruit trees, with their dark green foliage, looming stately and grand among the more graceful palms, the gnarled pandana and the symmetrical Kukui trees. To the east of the palace rose the frowning Punch Bowl, a grass-grown crater, brooding over its ancient days of fiery splendor now long gone by. Back of this towers Tantulus, overlooking the Punch Bowl, and densely tree-clad to his top. Beyond all rises grand old Waolani, the nearest approach to Kea and Loa that Oahu can show. Just back of the busy palace knoll uprose a higher hill, sacred to the gods, and tabooed with the utmost rigor for the use of priest and king ; its whole rounded crest and sloping sides were clothed with a dense grove of orange trees, ever, as now, presenting a countless abundance of blos- soms and fruit the whole year round. On the very apex of this sacred hill there leaps up a charming natural fountain, emerging from out a mound of vine-covered rocks, jetting forth from a clear, never-failing spring, and running the zigzag course of a mountain brook down the valley to the sea. From out the cool, crystal waters of THE FOUNTAIN OF PELE. 119 this grass-grown, flower-verged fountain, it is said that many mystic and unearthly sights have been disclosed, in divine answer to priestly oblation and royal prayers.' It is the Kiowai - Kalani of Oahu question if life is worth the warlike toil to win it. Pele has henceforth cast great Titeree's son into the tumult of alter- nate wars between Keao and Kamehameha. She has bannered his young life with her frown, and made yonder Waolani his cenotaph even before he dies. Doomed to lose his battles before he fights them, why should your Kalani strive to win? " 44 Nay, nay, my Moi, my Aloha ! Your dear eyes were blinded, and your proud head was bowed with the weight of your first transgression, that you would not look up into the loving face of deity. The Goddess chid you for a great wrong ; but, dear one, it was as a noble mother chides a darling child. Pele was not Tiuhu nui greatly mad there was no tinge of wrath in look or tone. She bade Kalani weigh the value of her friendship by the past, and thus learn to judge his loss. She who could have slain my King with a glance of her azure eyes, has but laid his sins in judgment at his feet; bidding him monument these great wrongs against his god by valiant deeds in the future ; that, dying, Kalani of Oahu shall receive Pele's forgiveness in the hour of his INCITING TO VALOR. 163 greatest glory. For dying is not to be forgotten ; but to so martyr a warrior's achievements by death, that his fame shall rise higher than Wao- lani!" " But Pele has disgraced Kalani in the eyes of all the world, and made him feel unworthy of the very breath he breathes. Though withdrawing her divine aid, she has bid me cope with the two mightiest warriors among the Isles. The final defeat at the Pali means many a battle lost before that day ; for he that fights seeking death will not tarry in his warfare, nor husband his deeds of valor. Tell me, loved Queen, is it worth a doomed warrior's while to fight for the pleasure of pos- terity?" " Auwe, wiwo ole Kalani ! (Oh, brave Kalani !) Take you no pleasure in the glorious deeds of Titeree, your sire ? " " Yes, my Moi-wahine. Kalani is proud of the warlike fame of his sire ; and he also despises the paltry cowardice of the sick king, when he per- mitted himself to beg his life of Kamehameha, and to barter away his kingdom in this craven message to the Lonely One : 4 Wait till the black tapa covers Titeree, then his kingdom shall be yours.' ' 44 Are there no loved ones whom Kalani would elect to do battle for, that his name should shine down the far generations with glory? " 44 Ah, my Kupule, you have indeed struck the key-note to a warrior's heart at last. To brighten 164 KALANI OF OAHU. thy dark eyes with pleasure and pride, Kalani will do such deeds of battle as shall make the Isles ring with his name." " Thanks, my King. Your little moi-wahine will treasure your valiant deeds above all others except Pele. Remember, dearest, ke maikai Pele has forged a spear for her young warrior from out her own mountain lava, with which to win the battle against Keao. Forget not the beautiful goddess in this hour of trial." 44 Poino ! poino ! Alas, alas ! has she not dis- graced me? Henceforth, Kupule, my beautiful Queen, shall become my battle-god ; by the light of her dark eyes Kalani will win or fall." 44 Remember, auwe Moil (O King !) that only the god-given spear of Pele can find the heart of Keao. Does my proud Moi wish to hear the craven cry of *Luka lua ! LuJca lua ! ' beaten, beaten shouted from his own warriors, instead of from the Kauaian foe ? " 44 Aole ! aole ! It shall not be, if Kalani lives to fight out his battle." 44 Then pleasure the little Queen who adores you, and the good deity who loves you still. Arm your- self with the beautiful weapon of Pele, that your father's treacherous brother shall die for Pele has said it ! " 44 It shall be as you wish. The eyes of Kalani are at length open to your beauty, and his ears are awakened to your wisdom. If I fall, I will die worthy of your love. If I win, the glory shall be APHRODITE BY MOONLIGHT. 165 Knpule's ke moi-wahine o Oahu " (the maiden queen of Oahu). A faint smile the first of the night flitted over the sad face of the young monarch as he caught his little Kupule in his strong arms, and crimsoned her glad lips with his kisses. They had risen to go, and were standing together by the western margin of the spring, ere Kalani had been won from his stubborn resolution to fight the coming battle without the aid of Pele's spear. This error of judgment overcome, he found relief, and looked about him with freedom and pleasure once more. The graceful shadow of his pleading Queen had caught his eye, where it lay upon the surface-sheen of the fountain, limned by the great lima orb in the western *sky. Nude almost as Aphrodite stood the fair young Aloha moi-wahine (Love Queen),* pleading before her King, like Venus newly risen from the wave ; with only the vesture of her abun- dant hair, and a short, flimsy pan of tapa garment- ing her voluptuous figure from waist to knee. Awed by the supernal beaut} r of the Goddess while her august presence had dimmed the moon, in wonder and worship Kupule had dropped her tapa robe ; standing there transfixed and statu- * Kamehameha and most of the other kings had their queens of state, by whom they begot their heirs because of their high rank, and also their " love queens," one or more, who were their resident queens. Such was Kaahumanu, the wisest and worthiest of Kamehameha's queens. 166 KALANT OP OAHU. esque, while the resplendent light of Pele's coun- tenance had beamed down upon her comely face and graceful figure. As human beauty once embellished by the hal- lowed light of Deitjr, cannot wholly divest itself of the added charm acquired from the approximate presence of godhead, Kalani now recognized for the first time the voluptuous beauty of his maiden Queen. And when Kupule also arose supreme in courage in the midst of this terrible maranatha of Pele's, he could not fail to plainly distinguish the quality of semi-godhood with which he had linked his fate and his fortune. And when she also showed herself so wise in counsel and so intuitive in pre- science, it were not to be wondered at that the bright young creature succeeded in lifting her hero King back into the region of his once high hopes and lofty aims again. Rallied by the inspiration of his love, so new and unlearned in the sense he knew it now, Ka- lani had been compelled to confess the wisdom of Pele in permitting him to enrich his country with heroic deeds, and his name with glory, in par- tial propitiation of his sin. And Kupule could not but exclaim with delight at the wholesome change : " Ka ! Aloha ; now Kupule beholds her koa Moi (warrior King) again. His royal kisses cling like the touch of the laden bee to the fiery-tongued ohea-flower. To your little Queen it is a sure GOADING TO BATTLE. 167 token that the great heart of Kalani is warmed back to heroic life once more." " Thanks to ko'u moi-wahine." " Thanks to your own noble soul ! As I look into your face, those fond eyes give back my love with double lustre ; as the reflected smile of the mahina (moon) in the spring, outshines the heav- enly orb in the sky. Now Kupule feels thy an- swering heart-beat against her bosom, responding throb by throb to her own, as yonder echo among the mountains answers back to the wild pulses of the sea." " My darling Queen, life with Kalani would be dark indeed but for the lesson of love you have taught him in this hour. You have snatched him from a gloom blacker than the shades of Po ! Who but Kupule could have taught her King that a wahine's love is sweeter even than ambition ? For this will Kalani take courage, and battle for his Love-Queen on the morrow, as never great warrior fought for his Aloha before." " Auwe Moi Kalani ! my hero lover. You have grown to be a god in the eyes of your little Queen. Your great battle-deeds already shine prophetic before my vision. When the bugle calls, the love of Kupule will take wing like a bird, and follow her warrior through the thickest of the battle. W T hen my Moi strikes home his swift blows, the dark eyes of his Kupule will be upon him, count- ing on her fingers the many wounds inflicted by her hero." 168 KALANI OF OAHU. " You stir the blood of Kalani till he becomes impatient to behold the foe." " And woe to that foe when he stand before thy path. But when Oahu is free, and Keao lies dead before thee, and his warriors cry ' Luka- lua ! ' then remember to whom victory is due, and bow thy great heart to Pele. In that hour her voice of terror shall be heard among the mountains, and great Loa will light his torch of joy." " The words of Knpule are as words of fire to Kalani. You make my coming deeds to shine in my soul, as the stars shine in the glad waters of the fountain. Your voice is as the music of run- ning waters to Kalani." " And will not Kalani confess how great is the love of Pele ? Did she not make him brave in counsel and strong in battle ? And has not the beautiful Goddess given her own terrible spear into thy keeping, by which alone the king of Kauai can be laid low?" " Kalani is made glad because of the love of Kupule. But the heart of Pele has become as stone to her young warrior ; and Mauna Loa will forget to light her torch-fire in the hour of my victory." " As the mother's love returns to her wayward child because of visible repentance, so Pele will watch thy battle-deeds with delight, and remem- ber her Keiki Moi (Boy King) in time of need. GOADING TO BATTLE. 169 She who moulded your soul to greatness, and taught you the cunning use of armies, may justly chide you for a great wrong. But forget you never ! Unlove you NEVER ! " It was a glad sight to see the inspired young Queen thus plead for deity, and uphold the trail- ing banners of her warrior King. OAHU'S city sleeps to-night ! For scarce a cur-dog's bark is heard, Much less the din of noisy word To jar upon the moonlight bright. She sleeps as if she knew no harm To keep her Warrior's eyes awake ; Sure danger casts before a charm Like that around the venomed snake ! 'Tis but the calm before the storm : To-morrow, with the dawn of light, Keao, with all his fearful swarm, Will dare Oahu forth to fight! And ere yon moon shall look again Upon Waikiki's peaceful plain, For many, she will shine in vain ! At times the watch-fires light the bay, When rude some hand their embers spurn, Then flicker faint, and die away, With but a glow to show they burn. The " Punch Bowl " hill rears o'er the town And casts his fearful shadow down ; Abruptly springs from out the plain, As billows rise from out the main. Protective o'er the mountain springs And casts his shade to ocean's marge, As when some guardian warrior flings O'er form he loves his battle targe. 170 CHAPTER XL HE night hours had passed slowly and sadly away to .the lovers, as they clung to each other, sitting there by the foun- tain on the sacred hill. Yet at length the terrible night of maranatha was almost ended, and the dawn of an eventful day was fast ap- proaching. Across the Nuuanu the camp-fires burnt low, and the spirit of peace seemed hovering over the slumbering warriors, as they slept beside their long spears and murderous paloas. Though as yet not a gleam of the approximate dawn was visible in the orient, yet the land-wind had suddenly aroused the earliest harbinger of a tropic day descending from the mountains upon stronger wings than it ever acquires during the night, when its ostensible object seems to be dalliance with perfumes and fondling with flowers. Awakened to a spirit of rebellion by this sudden resistance of the land-wind, the great breakers along the shore rose up in their might, bellowing like angry demons disturbed in their lair. Aping the hoarse thundering of the floundering surf as small intelligences ever pattern by the greater 171 172 KALANI OP OAHU. the tuneful waterfall now roughened its voice into a wild bassoon, rumbling down its jutting crag as if seeking to obtrude itself among the roused up dissonances of the approaching dawn. Kulu, the yellow moon, had sunk low down in the tranquil west, fringing the crests of the breakers more than ever with shimmering rims of the palest gold. The long line of glittering moon- glade spanned the western sea from Isle to horizon, like some heavenward pathway leading to the land of the blessed. Except the furious uprising of the surf and the answering waterfall, ever roused by the first breath of the land-wind, all was yet calm and peaceful over land and sea. Naught but the fitful flicker- ing of the dying camp-fires reminded one that such human madness as war existed on the earth. But at length there came a low, ominous sound from afar ; the mingled vibrates of many voices seemed creeping faintly up from the shore and sea. Simultaneous with the foreboding sound, and im- parting to it a menacing meaning, there flashed the gleam of a hundred kindling signal-fires, as hilltop and crag and mountain footspur lit their beacon-lights, stretching away from Nuuanu to far- off Ewa Bay. Though these first indistinct notes of proximate war were the merest vibrant murmurs on the air, they were sufficient to cause the royal lovers to spring up from their seat, where they had long twined in silence only broken by sighs and respon- sive heart-beats whilst awaiting the morning. THE WATCH-FIRES' ALARM. 173 From the earliest childhood these two had been inured to the signals and watch-cries of inter- Island warfare ; thus their keen ears had instantly caught the alarm before it had taken apparent shape or meaning. Though the lookouts from the coast-hills, and the watch in the guard-canoes, had discovered the approach of Keao, as yet nothing could be discerned by Kalani or his sharp-eyed queen. Soon the war-cry from the shore became mingled with the murmur of multitudinous voices across the valley, where a giant had been disturbed in his slumber, for the army had been awakened. Rousing with a muffled cry of portentous evil, augmenting and increasing into an angry roar that swept across the valley, akin to the resonant thunder from the surf -beat en shore. Rude hands now stirred the dying embers, till the camp-fires made a thousand silhouettes of the swarthy warriors, as they eagerly sought the in- dispensable pipe-sinoke before the battle. How flashed the bright spear-heads of shell, and glit- tered the sabre-blades of the chiefs innovations from the armature of the Christian brother from over the sea ! Dark objects suddenly peopled the opposite valley side, as though the very earth had opened its caverned sources, and the hillside had rent open and spawned its evil spirits, reeking with human gore, and murderous with terrible inten- tions ever the hideous offspring of war and rapine. 174 KALANI OP OAHIT. Suspense out-demons a thousand lesser ills ; and the last hour before day is ever the most ghostly of the night. A rude, weird dissonance had crept like a thief over the peaceful valley, until the shudder and chill of awe smote the inmost soul of man. Even the heart of Kalani beat tumult- uously, and would not still ; and brave little Kupule was filled with dismal intuitions of im- pending danger, ambushed horrors, lurking among the shadows everywhere. But at length the head division of Keao's canoes came one by one into sight, dispelling the incubus. A long line of dark objects dotted the golden, sheen of the moon-laved waters. They were pad- dling toward the land furiously. Impelling their great war canoes with incredible swiftness, hoping to secure the harbor-entrance by surprise before their approach should be discovered by the war- riors of Oahu. But it was no part of Kalani's plan to defend the harbor, or prevent the landing of the army of Keao. He was open to a trial of strength, and wished the battle to be decisive for the one army or the other. His war canoes had been withdrawn to Waikiki Bay, and his army to the valley, with a purpose of giving Keao perfect freedom to land, that he should not be tempted to burn Honolulu. Kalani and his great war-chiefs well knew that this plan would imply a fear of the enemy, and lead Keao to deem the army of Oahu to be weaker than it was. But this would also serve their pur- APPROACH OF KEAO. 17t> pose of decoying the Kauaians up the Nuuanu and away from their own canoes, that in case of defeat they should not all escape by sea. For Kalani fully meant it to be a battle of extermina- tion for the one army or the other, that the ques- tion of supremacy might be settled forever. Keao, being a great warrior, gigantic in stature, and ferocious in temperament, had ever thought lightly of the army of Oahu and the Boy King, his nephew ; though doubtless this erroneous judg- ment took rise in the decimated ranks of the one and the extreme youth of the other. Thus it was thought that the usually wise old King of Kauai would be easily tempted away from his base of action his canoes and the harbor front to where the army of Oahu were encamped, near their stronghold, and could fight with their flanks in unassailable positions. When the Kauaians found themselves in posses- sion of the mouth of the harbor, the foremost canoes rested on their paddles, awaiting the arrival of the whole fleet and army. At length one hundred great war-canoes were seen collected in the harbor, and hastily marshalling themselves in battle array, preparing to force a landing upon the beach against whatever resistance might be offered. For while the Oahuans could plainly distinguish everything transpiring in the broad moonglade, the conformation of the Nuuanu left the valley in deep shadow where the array lay. It was a spirit-stirring sight to Kalani, as one by 176 KALANI OF OAHU. one he counted the great war-canoes as they de- bouched into the harbor ; for if he won the battle he might count upon possessing himself of many of these finest specimens of naval architecture, for the Kauaians excelled in canoe making. When the first shouts of the far-away lookout jarred upon the peaceful silence of the valley, Kalani leaped to his feet with the spring of a tiger. His nostrils dilated, and his manly chest rose and fell quickly, while eager thoughts possessed his soul, linked with the coming battle. As he stood shading his eyes, scanning the west along the moon-gold sea, endeavoring to catch the first glimpse of the coming foe, Boki came in search of him, to learn what disposition should be made with the army. This matter settled, according to the plans already agreed upon, Boki sped across the valley to assume command during the absence of the King. Kalani waited upon the sacred hill until Keao's whole force had passed through the reef, marshalled in battle array, and were seen paddling steadily and swiftly for the beach in front of the town. When each canoe was seen leaving its track of quivering fire on the tranquil surface of the bay, and each of the five thousand paddles were seen scattering their phosphorescent gems emeralds, and opals, and rubies with every lift of the glittering blades from the hyaline sea, then the warlike young monarch prepared to depart. Turning to Kupule, with a flash of living fire in PARTING BEFORE THE BATTLE. 177 his eyes, and something of the old warlike spirit in his tones, Kalani flung wide his stalwart arms to receive his loved young Queen ere he left. It was possibly the last meeting of two noble souls on earth, and their varying emotions in that moment of separation were a mingling of the heroic and grand, the loving and the tender. There was an exquisite harmonizing of kingly affection and warlike exultation in the heart of one, and a womanly pride and girlish adoration in the other. Smitten with an innate love of combat, and the delirious joy of conquest, Kalani, with all his wealth of love for his new-found darling, was im- patient to be gone, and for the moment, possibly, his love for the Queen was unfairly divided in favor of the god-given spear, which now blazed anew with his magnetic grasp upon it, in the en- thused exultation of his soul. But before the swift flitting visions of Kupule, in the fresh, pure affluence of her love for the doomed young King, there arose the ever-impend- ing perils of battle, when fought between two such ferocious spirits. Thus with the probable death of Kalani ever obtruding upon her, her girl- ish arms were found strong enough to retain her lover to the last moment, while her soft, black eyes, devoured every rising expression of his frank open face, and her rose-red lips e-lung to his, as we press the farewell kiss, and look the farewell look upon the dying. But the call to arms grew deafening, and Kalani's 12 178 KALANI OF OAHU. impatience grew strong, and with a tender parting he tore himself away. Seizing the long glittering spear, bestowed by Pele who grew in his love as his war-spirit rose Kalani tested the supple texture of its slender staff ; and with something of his old gallantry, proffered his radiant young Queen the flashing spear-point for her parting kiss. Bidding the Queen watch the coming battle from the Punch Bowl mountain so suitable in position and conformation, being almost inacces- sible from the harbor Kalani sprang down the hillside swifter than the headlong stream by which he ran. Passing within hail of the palace hill, on his way to join the army, the King gave swift orders for the Queen's wahines to await her coming ; but to the hundreds of gathering women and children, families of the great chiefs who were with the army, he gave orders to join the Queen's party when she went upon Puawai, where they could not be harmed, and if need be could easily flee into the higher mountain forest for safety. For should victory fall to the lot of the foe, great rude- ness would transpire, and terrible excess in the first frenzied hours of conquest. Kupule remained a while in earnest prayer to Pele, pleading for the safety and the success of her darling King. And when she arose to go to the adjoining mountain, she found the whole bowl- shaped top of Puawai covered with women and children ; among whom were a few crippled or ORDER OF BATTLE. 179 superannuated Kanakas a human commodity not over numerous, thanks to the overruling intelli- gence of the frequent kapu kane days. Kalani and his great chiefs leisurely organized the army into two crescent lines in front of the walled stronghold ; their convex aspect fronting to the foe. The front line being wholly armed with spears and paloas ; the second with short halberts and slings. The great Alii Kapus carry- ing the pahi, paloa and huge laau palau halberts made to strike or thrust with a formidable and favorite weapon with Kamehameha and Keao, the two most gigantic chiefs among the Islands. When all had thus assumed their position in the order of battle, the chiefs gathered about their young King, together partaking of their morning repast ; while Boki, and his subordinate chiefs of staff, permitted a certain number of inferior men from the ranks to provide breakfast for the others, who ate their meal and smoked their pipes on the grass, without falling out of the line of battle. After Keao had landed, and hastily taken pos- session of the deserted town, his army was per- mitted to prepare their morning meal and stretch themselves a while upon the grass, to recruit their strength before marching to battle. When it was found that no resistance was offered to their landing, it was considered as a positive indication of weakness if not of fear, by the Kauaians, engendering great contempt for the prowess of their foes, and made the savage old 180 . KALANI OF OAHU. Keao too unwary and impatient to receive the surrender of Kalani and his army. So far the young King had made a good point against his usually sagacious enemy. Keao did not attempt to burn the town nor the scattered houses about the valley, as was the custom when an invader had no intention of hold- ing the conquered country. Neither did Keao leave a single kanaka to guard his noble fleet of canoes, for a thought of being defeated had found no room in the mind of the proud old warrior. As day broke over the eastern mountains, and the rose tints of dawn lit up the jagged peaks of Waolani, the valley-ward position of the army of Oahu was fully discovered to Keao, who soon sounded the call and led on his forces up the valley. It was the custom in those barbaric days for the great chiefs to lead their armies in person when entering into battle. Kamehameha, with greater military sagacity than any before his time, had adopted the better plan of directing his armies from the rear, while they were led into action by his best chiefs, re- serving his own gigantic strength to rally and re-form any weak part along his lines. Kalani had seen the merit of this method in his numerous encounters with the Lonely One ; or perhaps had also acquired it from Pele's counsel, as his rival had done, and usually adopted it in his battles. But Keao was too stubborn and conservative to adopt new notions from younger chiefs, and now ADVANCE OF THE KAUAIANS. 181 stalked with gigantic strides at the head of his dusky warriors, with young prince Kauraualii, and several old chiefs following close about him ; though the prince was currently said to be more of a gallant than a warrior. The example of his traitorous old uncle in head- ing his army, well suited Kalani's purpose on this occasion, as above all things else the young hero most wished for a hand to hand encounter with this villanous brother of Titeree's. Kalani's little army was now finely positioned upon a low rise of ground, directly in front of his trenches and the entrance to his walled stronghold, which imparted confidence to his new recruits. His wings were thrown back ; on the one side against the steep crags of the hillside, and on the other against his rampart wall, within which were stationed some superannuated old warriors with slings and spears, making this left wing also unassailable. Thus cunningly posted, here he. awaited to receive the oncoming foe. While the proud Kauaians marched steadily and grandly up the valley, showing the finest discipline and unbroken array, tramping to the stirring music of bamboo fifes and numerous carcubita drums, the undismayed Oahuans stood sternly to their posts, in the ominous silence that best por- tends the coming storm. How beat one little heart on the frowning crag of Puawai, as the great army of Kauai marched up the Nuuanu where Kalani's small body of in- 182 KALANI OP OAHU. ferior men awaited them ! But for her trust in the divine power of Pele, Kupule could have no hope in the coming encounter, with such great disparity of forces. But whom the gods love shall win ; and . in this precept lay the hopes of the young Queen, and many a chieftess and child about her. The hour of daybreak in the tropics is one of exquisite charm, so filled with the swiftly changing aspects of light and shadow, in the ever impulsive leap from darkness into dawn. The land-winds ever freshen at this hour, the first forerunner of the coming day-god, hastening from the cool forests and the deep dells down the valleys to the sea, ladened with newly awakened perfumes of ripened fruits and bursting flowers. Never had a more delicious aroma pervaded the Nuuanu than upon this peaceful morning of the murderous battle with Keao. The palm-trees swayed gracefully in the breeze. The tall alga- roba waved its feathery foliage, so like the long drooping plumage of emerald birds. The great hau-trees tossed their star-colored flowers in the wind and sun, swinging bell-like in merry unison with the jubilous songs of the newly awakened birds. But the fierce invaders scented no perfume but the blood of their foes, and saw no beauty but the prophetic one of dead men slain by their spears, as they marched sternly on eager for battle. As the armies approached very near to each other, Kalani flung off his golden mamo, which THE TWO KINGS. 183 flashed back the rays of the morning sun, and the two Kings advanced a few paces in front of their respective forces, with the usual intent of greeting each other, like murderous duellists in other lands. Both monarchs were armed alike with sword and spear and dagger. Both were nude, with the trifling exception of the malo, a narrow waist- cloth worn by all men. This unrobed condition served well to display the supple, sinewy muscles of the one, and the brawny, brutal strength of the other. Keao was a herculean, savage-looking warrior, with deeply furrowed cheeks, and corrugated, frowning brow ; of treble the weight, and double the strength of Ktilani. But though the younger King lacked the gigantic prowess of his foe, yet a single glance disclosed the grace of the crouching leopard in his fine physique, while the lithe, springy motion of the panther was suggested by his every movement while in action. As the Kings came to a halt, face to face with each other, Keao glowered down upon his boy antagonist with the murderous look of a demon from the nether world. He was infuriated by the fearless audacity he witnessed in his nephew, whom he thought to crush with his presence and devour with a look. But instead, in the calm, dark eyes of Kalani he beheld the piercing gaze of a young eagle who has learned to swoop with unerring talons upon his prey. It was thought by some of the watchful old 184 KALANI OP OAHU. chiefs about Kalani that the hard lines in Keao's rugged face softened and unbent, somewhat, as he traced the kingly likeness of a once-loved brother in the fearless young warrior before him. Be that as it may, such thoughts were not given voice, nor suffered to harbor long in his stony heart. It was usual in Polynesian warfare, in those far- gone days, for the leaders to thus advance to the forefront and hurl a spear at each other, by way of salutation in opening the combat. But when Keao had approached within half a spear's cast of Kalani, hearing a rude rattle of weapons among his warriors behind, he stopped, and raised his own terrible spear with a thundering imprecation for his men to halt and be quiet, while he ad- dressed himself to Kalani : " Keiki Moi o Oahu ! " (Boy King of Oahu !) 41 We have come over the sea, following the yellow moon-path made for us by Pele. Keao and his great warriors have come to take Oahu, and Maui, and Molakai. Open your ears you and your army that you may hear. Surrender your Island, and submit to us, or I will suffer my strong chiefs to thrust their great spears through you all, as we would spear the fat fish in your harbor." Kalani's thin lips had hued to a livid, ashy pale- ness ; curling into a proud, derisive smile, wither- ing as a torchfire. He had heard Keao to the end. But now his eagle eyes were flashing forth living fire as he replied with scorn and contempt to the brutal salutation : SURRENDER, OR DIE. 185 " The Kanakers of Kauai have grown fat and dumpish from lack of wars, and eating too much poi ; and I doubt not have come to Oahu to learn how to fight. If Keao were to look at himself he would die with fright, so old and ugly has he grown. If he were not in his dotage, his hideous ears would long since have heard the world ring with the fame of Kalani." "Beware, Keiki ! lest Keao slay you for want of respect to your father's kingly brother. Sur- render your Island, or I will take it ! " 44 You came like a thief to steal my kingdom in my absence. You find Kalani most glad to receive you. Take Oahu, and begone ! Have your dull eyes become blind that you cannot see it lying at your feet ? Seven feet of the sacred Isle shall be yours before we part." " Cease, vile Keiki ! Should Keao become huhu nui very mad he would crush you in his strong hand, as he has crushed many a foe in his day." 44 We of Oahu have played with spears from our babyhood. We teach our warriors that two can play at taking kingdoms. Keao carries a huge spear, large enough to blot out the sun, but I have heard that it is , harmless as a reed in the hands of a wahine." 44 Dog ! You talk bravely for a Keiki Moi ; but talk will not save your kingdom. Do you not see that my mighty warriors are growing impatient to slaughter your army ? They long to throw your 186 KALANI OP OAHU. fat carcasses to good Moa-alii the fierce god of the sea who brought usiri safety to your shore." " But Kalani has promised Moa-alii that he shall feast upon the clumsy carcass of Keao, and Kalani will keep his promise to the great sea-god." "Hearken, if you have ears. Because you are the son of the great Thunderer, Keao would spare your life and save your army, that you may join the brave Kauaians in fighting Kamehameha, who claims to be the born King of all the Eight Isles. Will you surrender ? or shall Keao fling his keen spear through your soft body, as a signal for his impatient warriors to slaughter your army ? " " There is no word like surrender known in the sweet tongue of Oahu. Kalani would witness if so old a King as Keao can handle a spear. Behold how you tremble at the mere mention of weapons of war. Are you indeed so much afraid of Kalani as to shake at his presence ? " u Surrender ! or die. At them, my chiefs I Sweep them from the earth ! " And Keao shook his great war-spear with ter- rific meaning, while a look of terrible vengeance darkened over his wrinkled face, so maddened was he by the saucy taunts purposely inflicted by his youthful foe ; shook the poised weapon in his giant hand, and hurled it with the utmost ferocity at the naked breast of the manly boy, who had so aroused his ire. Swerving gracefully to one side yet without moving an atom from his footsteps Kalani CATCHING THE SPEARS. 187 caught the great spear as it rung hurtling through the air, whistling like a bullet. Turning the cum- brous weapon in his hand, Kalani hurled it back at Keao, who also swerved and caught his weapon as it spun by his head. Kalani calmly folded his arms and scornfully awaited another attack. This is indeed a courageous act and cunning art of the great chiefs of Polynesia. The Alii Kapus of Kauai were connoisseurs in such achievements, and their keen eyes saw at once that their too impetuous King had found more than his match at this game. And lest harm should come to him in such perilous trial of skill, six brawny chiefs the skilful body-guard of their old monarch assumed cross positions in front of Kalani, and together hurled their keen-edged weapons in murderous concert at the audacious King ; the six being followed closely by the more ponderous spear of the now frenzied Keao. With folded arms and flashing eyes the Boy King stood alert to receive them ; ducking, dodging, and swerving gracefully away from the six pre- vious weapons thrown in such cunning cross- fire reserving himself to again catch the ponder- ous weapon of Keao, which he tossed contemptu- ously behind him, as being unworthy of his further attention ; the art of catching so weighty a spear being the severest test known among feats of arms. Both Kings being now of one mind, maddened with an insane wish for the death-grapple, drew their swords at the initiative given by Kalani, and 188 KALANI OF OAHU. rushed furiously towards each other for a hand-to- hand encounter. But suddenly, before they could cross swords, the whole earth shook with the awful reeling and rumbling of an earthquake, till men tottered as when drunk with awa, and the earth rent asunder at their feet, separating the two combatants by an abyss that neither could leap. This awful occurrence stayed every hand in both armies, leaving them stunned with horror at what had happened. Simultaneous with this convulsion beneath their feet, occured another above the head of Kalani. Above the noise of the earthquake, and the tum- bling of earth and rocks down into the chasm, was heard a mysterious cooing in the air, together with the fluttering and fanning of great unseen wings, as when doves suddenly alight, followed by the never-to-be-forgotten voice of Pele, whispering in Kalani's ear : " HE IHE ! HE THE ! " (The spear, the spear !) " He makana o Pele." The gift of Pele. Swifter than the winged lightning did Kalani poise the blue-headed gift of the Goddess, and hurl it with the ring of a scimitar across the fast- closing abyss, piercing the savage heart of the mad-mad king of Kauai, as he stood on the farther brink of the chasm, frothing at the mouth, with the awful rage of battle upon him. With a hideous groan of mingled rage and pain, the huge body of the old king was seen to reel and stagger and tumble headlong into the deep DEATH OF THE KING. earth-rent below. Slowly and steadily closed the rough chasm over the dead body, with the spear of Pele still clinging to his heart ; both King and weapon lying buried fifty feet beneath the field of battle. While yet the air rung with the wild shouts of exultation from the army of Oahu, even before the yawning earth was wholly closed up between them and their foes, Kalani waved his sword in the sunlight, and led on his fierce chiefs and eager spearsmen against the Kauaians, half stunned at beholding this direct interposition of the gods in favor of Oahu. Desperate and bloody was the fight that ensued, for the wrath of maddened men, like the foam on the crest of a storm-billow, does not quickly subside. About Karlani fought the great war-chiefs of his father's reign. Fighting to shield their Keiki Moi from the wild rage of battle ever centring about his kingly presence. These grim old warriors loved their hero because of his likeness to the noble old Thunderer, and his unusual favor with the gods. The leading chiefs of Oahu were the most cun- ning warriors among the Isles ; long trained in the advanced arts of barbaric war, wielding their weapons with coolness and consummate skill, suf- ficed to make them more than a match for the passionate fury of their more numerous foes. With admirable tact Kalani had succeeded in fully enraging the fierce Kauaian chiefs, until they 190 KALANI OP OAHU. now flung themselves too heedlessly into the thick of the fray. Being less skilful than their wary antagonists in the use of weapons, they spent their strength in many a futile blow ; until, at the end of an hour's fighting, hundreds of the burly forms of the invaders lay dead or wounded upon the green slopes of the Nuuanu. This condition of things, together with the ter- rible accessory of Pele's having shown visible preference for the army of Oahu, discouraged and dispirited the brave Kauaians, and they now began slowly and steadily to retreat toward their canoes, still fighting with a bold face to the foe. The combatant who dares take the first step backward, proclaims his loss of heart and hope to his antagonist, and imparts renewed vigor and strength of arm to the enemy from whom he re- treats. With the yell of a thousand demons the Oahuans now pressed the stubborn foemen back with gory spear-point, and war-club and sabre, down the valley, strewing the whole line of retreat with the dead and dying. With the eye of an eaglet, watching from her eyrie, the Queen had watched every incident of the battle from the overhanging battlement of Puawai, and with more than human wisdom had decided the battle as won for Oahu, when Keao received his death from the god-given spear. And now the quality of her semi-divine blood asserted itself to some purpose. Calling about her hundreds of the warlike wives WAHINES TO THE RESCUE. 191 of the great chiefs, and bidding them each select some brave spirits from among their retinues of women, to the number of a thousand or more. Kupule pointed down to the harbor beneath their feet where lay the great fleet of war canoes un- guarded, and with flashing eyes bid her army of wahines to follow her to the rescue. There winds a steep and perilous pathway down the very front of Puawai, where few but the bravest men like to trust themselves in times of peace. But riow it was a time of war, and what Kupule was to do must be done quickly, for the Kauaians were already retreating ; and she chose the perilous footpath and led the way, followed by at least twelve hundred brave women. With the speed of a bounding deer the god-born daughter of Kamehameha led the way down the steep front of the mountain. Keeping the groves and the taro-patches between themselves and the retreating enemy, they quickly reached the shore, unseen by the Kauaians. Few but her own chieftess maidens were equal to the example of swift-footedness set them by their daring Queen, and they soon reached the canoes, followed steadily by hundreds of other fearless women, matrons and maidens, all eager to save a canoe, though the horrid din of battle was fast drawing toward the shore. With the leap of a winged creature the young Queen sprang into the royal canoe, where lay the robes of state of the dead Keao, followed by a 192 KALANI OF OAHU. dozen of her fleetest maidens. Thrusting off from the beach, each seized a paddle and plied it with strength and skill, as all wahine kanakas are trained to do. Rounding Papu Point, and follow- ing the trend of the shore inside of the great breakers, they sped away for Waikiki, five miles distant, where the canoes of Oahu were moored and guarded. Swift example is ever the best incentive to in- duce energetic action in others. And it now became a stirring sight to see eighty great war canoes leaving the harbor, and impelled along the shore by lithe maidens and fat women, their long black hair streaming in the now freshening trades. All but twenty of the canoes were afloat and away, before the rearmost of the approaching Kauaians discovered the cunning proceeding. Breaking from the ranks they flew to the rescue, smitten with panic at the thought of their retreat being cut off. Those who first reached the re- maining canoes hastily manned them and fled from the harbor, without waiting to see the final result of the battle. Hemmed in between the boatless shore and the victorious army of Kalani, the weary and wounded Kauaians saw themselves at the mercy of their foes, and cried out : " Luka-lua ! luka-lua ! " Beaten, beaten ; the least courageous fearful lest they should be slaughtered to a man. The bravest are ever the most generous in the glorious hour of triumph after a great battle is THE VICTORY. 193 won. Kalani's noble heart was touched with pity at the desperate condition of his brave antagonists, and he now rushed like a fiery meteor along his own lines of blood-stained warriors, and struck down sword and spear and paloa, bidding his grim chiefs and infuriated men to forbear. When the wild tumult was stilled, and the angry spear-points on the one hand, and the weary weapons on the other had dropped to the earth, then Kalani stepped forward and addressed the crest-fallen, though yet stern and sullen invaders, who stood firm with an evident intent of selling their lives dearly if called upon to do so : 44 Kaumualii ! and you, the great war chiefs of Kauai, it lies with you to say if the battle of Nuu- anu is ended. My warriors are famishing for the blood of the invaders who came to deprive us of our homes. Kalani would save you, if you prove yourselves worthy of his clemency. I see many a loved kinsman among your ranks; and I offer Kaumualii and his army, peace, upon full sub- mission. " You are witness that Kalani has not sought this warfare. You can also witness the great wrong my father's brother sought to perpetrate upon my people ; and Kalani ought, perhaps, to permit his outraged warriors to slaughter you to a man. You are witness to the great love of the gods for Kalani ; and you saw that the mighty spear of Keao could not pierce whom the gods would cherish. 13 194 KALANI OF OAHU. 41 Would you peace, or war, Kauaians ? Kalani of Oahu awaits your reply." Whereupon Kaumu-t alii and several of the older chiefs stepped forth to make answer. 44 Noble King, and great warrior ! I am Kaumu- alii, the son of Keao, and I speak in the name of my people. I was not one of those who wished to come to Oahu to fight my noble cousin. But the warriors of Kauai remembered their duty to their king, and joined Keao on the war-path, follow- ing over the yellow moon-path which leads to Oahu. " Those who made the plans to capture Oahu were wrong, and they are all dead ; by this we now know that they wrought against the wishes of the gods. Kaumualii asks what is expected of us if we surrender? for we are a band of heroes, and would rather die fighting than live to be unjustly dealt with. I bend my ear to listen to the wisdom of Kalani. For whom the gods love must be wise." " You speak wisely, as becomes the new King of the great Island of Kauai. Keao is dead, and Kau- mualii is King. I have said it, and it shall be so. Kalani makes no claim to your kingdom. Oahu is in want of great warriors to fight against Kameha- meha ; who, though he was slain, is alive again. The Lonely One seeks to take all our islands to make a kingdom for himself. He is a mighty war- rior, and he is loved of the gods. He will rule over us all unless we join hands to resist him. 44 1 offer Kaumualii a palace-home in Nuuanu ; and land and homes shall be given to his warriors MAKING PEACE. 195 from among my possessions in Oahu. Your young warriors may find wives among my dark-eyed wa- hines, and your great chiefs shall send to Kauai for their wives. And we will join our armies and en- deavor to save our kingdoms from the monster warrior of Hawaii. The heart of Kalani warms to the young king of Kauai. Speak : is Kaumualii my friend, or my foe ? " " Kaumualii is the friend of Kalani. He will lead his warriors to battle against the ugly giant of Hawaii. The great chiefs of Kauai have not shut their ears against the fame of Oahu's King. The themes of our sweet bards are the wonderful deeds of Kalani. Your victories have stirred our hearts with a love for war. My ears have ever been open to hear the bards sing of your battles, and my voice has ever been the loudest in your praise. " When Kalani dashed through the storm like the sea-eagle, fearless of the black night and the sea-tempest, and slew the great monster Kameha- meha Nui, the heart of Kaumualii stood still with wonder ; and he looked, and behold your name was placed among the stars. And but for Keao, Kau- mualii would have come with our young warriors and fought beneath your banners, as our old chiefs once fought under the tapa flags of the great Thun- derer." " Kalani has heard what you have said, and it has lingered pleasantly in his ears. But my sharp ears hear a murmuring of voices among your war- 196 KALANI OF OAHU. riors. Is it the muttering of thunder which por- tends a storm ? or is it the roar of pleasant waters that would slake our thirst for war? It is the wish of Kalani to hear a voice from among the great chiefs of Kauai. Would they again join battle with my impatient warriors ? or is there wisdom in the coun- sel they have taken with each other ? " Pepehi, a noble old warrior whose voice was ever for peace (though his name implied killer of men), stepped forth from the ranks to speak for his com- panion chiefs. His breast and arms, and even his grim and wrinkled face, were bleeding with many wounds ; proof that Pepehi had been in the fore- front of battle, and was skilled to save his life from the points of many weapons. " I am Pepehi, of Kauai. When a young war- rior, I fought under Titeree, the kingly father of Kalani. Though I now come with my command to invade Oahu, I have watched with joy the rising fame of Kalani, who is the best-loved of the gods. If Kalani cannot save us from Kamehameha, who in all the islands can we look to ? I have coun- selled with the chiefs, and we are of one mind. We would join the brave warriors of Oahu against Ka- mehameha. It is the wish of our hearts to be at peace with Kalani, for we are wounded and sore, and suffering from the shock of battle. This is the voice of Pepehi." " You have spoken well. Pepehi is a great war- rior, and many of our brave Kanakas have gone down before his strong arm. Pepehi was the joy THE SURRENDER. 197 of the king, my father, and he shall come to find delight in the eyes of Kalani. Koleamoko, our great medicine-man, shall bind the ti leaf on your wounds. Let us greet, and rub noses, and be brothers." And setting the example for his chiefs, Kalani advanced with extended arms to embrace Kaumu- alii. And those who had fought with the utmost fury against each other, now mingled in friend- ly greetings, and joined in dressing each other's wounds. Returning up the vallej 7 - with Kaumualii and Boki, the King ordered Paao and his priests to hasten on a great sacrifice at the heiau in Waikiki ; with directions to gather up all the dead spears- men of Kauai, and make a kane kapu, confined to the Manoa valley and Waikiki shore. And Moa- alii was to be remembered ; feasted upon numer- ous of the abundant dead at his caverned lair under the reef-bed. The tabu should not extend to the Nuuanu, which should be given up to feasting and jy-. True, the wounded were being gathered under the shade of the great bread-fruit trees, and be- neath the singing palms, whose long fronds tossed merrily in the brisk trades. Hundreds were lain upon the grassy banks of the mountain stream, where they could slake their feverish thirst, and find such companionship with the brook-side flow- ers as never before. Though Nuuanu was a valley of groans, because 198 KALANI OF OAHU. of its numerous prostrate braves, yet, above the cries of pain from the wounded and the wail over the dead, rose the shouts of jubilation everywhere, because of their deliverance from the powerful invader. Thus it was in keeping with time-honored cus- tom for Kalani to order a great feast prepared for the night. There the two young Kings and their great chiefs met together under the tutui trees, before the palace, eating to repletion of the baked hog and dog, and drinking largely of the strong awa that loosens the tongues of silent men, and in- culcates the senseless tattle of parrots. Kaumualii and his great chiefs were assigned houses for themselves, while the soldiers of both armies were camped together over across the Nuuanu. Kalani had witnessed the brave doings of Kuptile and the wahines. He had missed the graceful figure of his little Queen from the grass-grown rim of the crater, and while yet he wondered at the absence of the dark-eyed maiden, and why she were not watching her Keiki Moi drive the fierce Kauaians to the shore. Lo ! the wahines appeared from behind the houses of the town, and were seen capturing and escaping with the rich trophies, the far-famed canoes of Kauai. To what extent this fine piece of strategy influenced the close of the battle none can tell. But as possession is legal property for the victor in time of war, to his dar- ling Kupule the proud young King was indebted THE QUEEN'S STRATEGY. 199 for the permanent possession of the fleet, if not for the easy solution of the final postulatum out of which the treaty arose that the one army were victors, and the other beaten beyond hopes of retrieval. The heart of the victor-King warmed at the thought of Kupule's wisdom and daring. And when peace was agreed upon, Kalani sent to Waikiki for the return of the Queen and her chieftess maidens, to join in the coming feast, and for all the other wahines to come to the Nuuanu, for many of them were expert in dressing the wounds of the warriors. When the King's messenger reached Waikiki, Kupule's toilsome task was almost completed. One by one the great war-canoes had been dragged from the water into the cocoanut grove. Here they were safe from intrusion by the sea, so walled in by the great surf, there being no other outlet through the reef than that at Honolulu. For this deed of gallantry, in the immediate presence of the enemy, with the horrid din of fighting in their ears, the brave and beautiful Queen was long held in such esteem as augments with time, and acquires romance during centuries of repetition. It is even told that none but a god-born wahine could have conceived a deed so daring, and none but a kinswoman of Pele could have inspired a thousand wahines with instant courage to follow the lead of a stranger, or to arouse the latent 200 KALANI OP OAHU. energies of fat and lazy women, sufficient to act promptly and skilfully so distracted by their fears in the proximity of battle. And now Manona and Lelela followed the Queen to the palace, up the mountain way, leaving other scores of maiden chiefs, attached to the royal household, to head the noisy procession of two thousand wahines, marching back to Honolulu and up the Nuuanu. And to this great company were added more by the way ; for after the bravest of the chieftesses had captured the canoes, others from the Punch Bowl and elsewhere sud- denly acquired that curious accession of courage which ever induces many to seek share in the spoils after the conquest. When this great concourse arrived in the valley, they scattered about in groups among the camps and forsaken hamlets throughout Nuuanu, seek- ing their dead and wounded friends, rejoicing aloud over the living, and wailing with a wild cry of uncontrollable grief over their loved dead and dying. Ten thousand wailing voices made the night air dismal throughout the Nuuanu at the end of that terrible day. While, with their piteous faces up- turned to the moon, a thousand baying dogs joined the cry of grief, for scenting the dead from afar off ever awakens the sympathetic howl of caninus in all ages and in every land. But not all of these loud-mouthed mourners wept the true tears of grief, for among the Poly- MOURNING BY PROXY. 201 nesia there is an honored avocation of mourning ; a trade held in excellent repute among those too lazy or indifferent for grief. The more dismal the tone, and the more prolonged the howl of these hired mourners, the more acceptable they become among the fat widows who dislike such vocation, and cannot arouse themselves sufficient to search out the small atoms of merit in the deceased. And even Kaumualii was one of those who, in this instance, forgot to weep for the savage old father who had left him a kingdom. This young King had at heart but little love for fighting, and was never over-ambitious even- in the thickest of the fight ; often permitting his father's warlike chiefs to lead the van in his stead. Hence his wholly unwounded condition at the end of this day's fray. And hence the unusual wailing by the hired mourners over the sacred spot where fell Keao under the heaped-up mound made by the earthquake. But about the palace grounds, and in camp across the valley, there was feasting and rejoicing, and smoking the frequent pipe of peace, without thought or heed of who were dead or who were living. Grim old war-dogs were seen fraternizing with those who were their mortal foes a few hours since. CHAPTER XII. SEE the Queen in her skiff! Bending low o'er the tide ; Peering down into Ocean Where the Mermaids abide. Tell me which is most beautiful, The most graceful and free ; The fair maid in the boat? Or the maid in the sea? FEW weeks of feasting, in honor of the important victory won by Oahu, and with the cunning intent of learning some of the characteristics of his new allies, and, if possible, to endear himself to their battle-scarred leaders, and Kalani was prepared to sail away to the seat of war at the Windward Islands. The fine army Kalani had now organized from the two combatants, gave him reason to hope he might resist any force Kamehameha could bring against them. He took with him Kauniualii, now become king of Kauai by the death of Keao ; and all the captive Kauaians, who the more readily joined their conquerors from having previously fought in the army of Oahu in the reign of Ti- teree. 202 DEPARTURE OP THE ARMY. 203 It was an anxious hour for Kupule when sepa- rating from her loved young King. The fame of Kamehameha was daily increasing, and he was now winning almost every battle fought under his own command. And it was now known that he had been equipping a powerful navy, as well as an army, and among 'his fleet were many white men. with fire-arms and cannon, led by the sagacious boatswain of the Elenora. Though John Young had been detained against his wishes in the first place, he and Davis and others now found it greatly to their profit to abide with Kamehameha, who had made them chiefs and given them large landed pos- sessions. Kalani was thus hastening his fleet and army to Maui, before the Giant of Hawaii should swoop down upon the Island and capture it during his absence. Kupule and the great kapu Alii, Paao, were left in command of Oahu during the King's absence in Maui ; the High Priest being subordi- nate to the Queen, young as she was, for her recent display of heroism in capturing the war-fleet of Keao, had not only endeared her to the popular mind, but had elevated her greatly in the esteem of the chiefs and the love of the King. Anxious days followed the departure of the army, for Kupule, above all others, believed that the gen- ius of her father would eventually prevail over a,ny opposition thrown in his way ; for had not Pele fore- told it in her presence, that Kamehameha should yet possess all the Eight Isles ; aiid when did the 204 KALANI OF OAHTJ. dread Goddess fail to fulfil her bequests to the kings of men? The whole nation had awakened to the fact of Kamehameha's growing favor with their di- vine ruler. For had not Pele snatched the giant King from death, after Kalani had slain him in sin- gle combat? But the real reason of Pele's sus- pending her affectionate watchfulness over the Keiki Moi of Oahu, only those who sat by the Kiowai o Pele on that terrible night could tell. To none but the politic young King and Queen was it yet known how the arrogant Goddess had then rebuked her favorite warrior ; and even they could not yet believe that the avenging Ignipotent would be as relentless as she proved. But they lived long enough to learn that a wahine Akua female god never forgives loss of faith in her affection, or contempt of her power. An hour before Kalani's rebellious utterances in the sacred grove, he stood pre-eminently above all others in the divine esteem of Pele. But his de- fection in that one hour of thoughtless apostasy proved his downfall ; and thenceforth his father's illegitimate son wholly usurped his place in the fickle affections of Pele. This half-defined belief was becoming all too cur- rent ; acting to depress the people, and somewhat the warriors of Oahu. But never for a moment had it deterred Kalani, or his noblest war-chiefs, from making their final preparations for battling with the utmost desperation, though beaten in many a battle before the final one. OBLATIONS TO LONO. 205 Thus, when the army was gone, and the young Queen came to feel the full responsibility thrown upon herself, together with the terrible secret harbored like an incubus in her bosom, she sought to inspire Paao and the other tabu priests with constant attention to their religious duties at the great Heiau of Waikiki. Their first sacrifices were due to Moa-alii the Neptune of the sea inducing him to carry the King's great fleet safely over the sea to Maui. And when the army was fairly embarked, Paao went away to the great Temple, and promulgated a brief Jcapu puaa hea (a hog tabu) to propitiate the fierce god of the sea. Kupule took it upon herself aided by many of her maiden chieftesses to make many and frequent oblations to Lono, whose sylvan heiau was built among the adjacent sandal-wood forests, Lono being the only god suitable for the worship of women. To this gentle god, fruits and vegeta- bles, and flowers, were the only sacrifice required to propitiate his kindly remembrance, and lead him to continue abundant fruit and plenty of taro, the root out of which the national food, poi, is made. Though he ever answers to the prayers of his adherents, yet in what far country good Lono resides none can tell. Being a great chief in his day, and having a beautiful wife, so beautiful that a neighboring gallant coveted her, he came home one day to his house in Kealakeakua bay, and heard from the tall cliff near by the gallant calling 206 KALANI OP OAHU. to his lovely Kaikilani, " Oh, beautiful wahine ! your lover salutes you : Keep this, remove that, and one will still remain." Meaning, kill Lono, and I will wed you. In a moment of frenzy Lono smote his wife, and she died. After years of mania and grief he left the country in a canoe, promising to return some time in a great waa. For this he was deified ; and thus Cook was taken for Lono returning to his people. From Diamond Head, and many other head- lands and sea-side crags, the sacrificial offerings went on, with prayers for the prosperity of the fleet. But when word came from the windward that the army had reached Maui, having crossed the rough Pailolo sea in safety, then the terrible Moa-alii was held in less veneration than before. And now, the stray hogs and yelping curs, re- quired less watchfulness in their sagacious endeav- ors to escape the murderous lariat of the Pepehi Kanaka man-killer of the tabu priests. After a few days respite, a kapu kane was pro- nounced for the future welfare of the army, when the great Heiau was a scene of terrible human sacrifice, priestly wailing, and loud-mouthed prayer to Pele. To none other did these people worship with such earnest zeal and inhuman ob- lations, as to the dread Goddess of Mauna Loa. To the fiery Ignipotent all bowed with fear and trembling. There were so many visible events and imaginary accessories ever transpiring to 'arouse the superstitious, and remind the people of SUPERSTITIOUS DREAD. 207 the awful and relentless power of Pele, that her worship was never likely to be forgotten or im- perfectly accomplished. If but a tiny star wings its way earthward, spending its transfusive life upon the bland tropic air, it comes like a warning voice to thousands of quaking souls, lest it marks their doom in the black record of the Kapu Kahuua tabu priest. But whether to priest or peasant, it is a reminder to all that the Goddess of Kilauea is abroad in Spirit ; and whether this visible expression is to be construed into a dread phantom, or a peaceful gratulation, is a subject for the dread Augurs to decide. So the life of many a poor wretch is thus dependent upon the good or bad digestion of the ever-cruel Hoopiopio of the temple nearest at hand. If by chance a bluish-green meteor explodes in the sky, and illuminates the heaven with its lurid gleam, crashing down with its unearthly splinters of grayish-green rock into sea or soil, then indeed the consternation is dreadful, and the whole world of Polynesia leap to their feet, agape with wonder and agog with fear. Thousands fall upon their faces in abject abasement or maniacal terror, pleading piteously for the dread Goddess to mitigate their sin of omission or commission ; the aroused conscience of each delinquent applying the meteoric warning to themselves. Let but an earthquake jar upon the tranquil tropic night, undulating the thin earth-crust of the Islands, until the surface rocks and rolls beneath 208 KALANI OP OAHU. the feet, like the great billows of the sea ; then all agree that something is happening to the army, and the whole land is filled with wailing as upon the death of a king. But weeks passed and nothing happened to jar upon public tranquillity until one calm morning, when Loa was seen belching forth a sulphurous cloud, until it hung like a funeral pall over the sunlit day. Then indeed all were alike convinced that a great battle was transpiring, pending weal or woe for their army. The zeal of the priests was awakened to a frenzy, and Paao at once pro- claimed the necessity of a kapu kane to appease the angry Goddess in this hour of terrific war. As none^knew who the unlucky ones would be, thus suddenly required by cruel mandate, all fled to the sea, or climbed to the mountain fastness with the utmost desperation. An hour after and the whole land became depopulated of its mov- able male population, leaving only the aged and the crippled from which to choose. But the im- molation was made. If the choice had to be made from a few, the selection required the merit of expedition, and this was ever a consideration where thousands of quaking souls were watching for the welcome appearance of that ghastly peculiar smoke from the Heiau, indicated by human sacrifice. As hunted foxes sneak from their holes, and once en- snared birds- peer forth from their coverts, so the stealthy canoes paddled in from the sea, and the forest-hiders crept down to their homes and scared loved ones once more. PREDOOMED FOR SACRIFICE. 209 Often the cunning old Tabu Chiefs predoomed the people long before the coming sacrifice ; in such cases the doomed ones were always entrapped just before they were wanted for the holocaust. This comprises another and more devilish form of living dread for the banned ones ; living a life more hideous than are a thousand deaths to the brave. This hereditary doom becomes a part of the daily existence of every male of low degree. Therefore, if a priest or one of his low-browed Pepehi Kane, but look askance upon a peasant- man, who by any possibility deems himself of little value to the crown, either for purposes of war or progeniture, it is sufficient cause for him to believe himself doomed for the next immolation ; and in such case he often sickens, and declines by a slow, lingering death, wholly the effect of fear. But there were days when all went well ; when news of partial successes came down from the Windward Isles, making all hearts glad ; happy in the hope that each battle might be the last ; for with days of peace there were less occasion for human sacrifice to their cruel gods. At such times the less anxious among the banned pro- letarian class forgot their abnormal fears of daily personal jeopardy, and entered into the pleasures and pastimes of others about them, but with ever a furtive glance at the volcano and the heiau. In these happy interlucent days, old and young, kane and wahine, spent many a joyous hour frol- icking in the wild surf, or floating lazily about 14 210 KALANI OP OAHU. upon the passive waters lying between the great breakers and the tranquil shore ; the reef being well out from the beach, and reaching from Dia- mond Head far down the western shore, left with- in a smooth coral sea, usually unruffled by a billow. In these oblivious days wandered merry troops of tender girls and obesitous women, through fruitful groves and the flowery fields. But most they loved to search the deep cool valleys for the purple figs and the yellow papaya, and hear the sweet-voiced o-o sing. Or climbing yet higher among the mountain fastness, where grew the wild tutui, and the red ohea pomiferous with crim- son beauty. Here they wove themselves baskets from the pandana leaves, to fill with juicy ohea apples, ever so palatable to a thirsty wanderer ; gathering armsful of gay hibiscus-flowers or yellow blossoms from the hau trees, from which to wreathe their heads of shining hair. Hying homeward, only with the western sun, each with their gay leis (wreaths) of red and purple, yellow or green, as best suits their poetic fancy. Among those who best loved bathing and boat- ing, were countless youthful maidens, mostly led by the wahine Aliis the chieftess girls. Of these, some would fish for hours upon the reef; varying their vocation by leaving their anchored canoes and bathing in the surf, or diving for shells and pink pearls, and tiny clusters of blood- red coral, bits of which were used to deck their ears, or string as beads to adorn their brown necks, or clasp about their fat arms. PASTIMES OF THE WAHINES. 211 Still others there were among the proud high- chief maidens girls full of poetic revery, whose young lovers were away in the army who loved best to drift in their canoes whither the wind took them, or the tidal currents might bear ; finding pleasure in noting the varied and exquisite beau- ties of color and growth among the wonderful for- mations of the coral bottom. Among these latter maidens who ever found solitude thick peopled with delightful fancies was the youthful Queen. She loved best to paddle out alone in her own tiny canoe, seeking communion with self upon the unruffled waters of this rare madreporic sea. Sometimes Kupule was accompanied by either the gay Manona or the sweet-voiced Leleha, two bits of maiden-beauty almost as charming as their loved young Queen. But oftenest she dismissed even these loved young attendants, and, with a sobriety above her years, sought out the mystic Mono, KiTiapai of Waikiki, a forbidden spot tabued to all but the high- priests and the royal pair. None but the King and Paao ever knew the whole mystery of Kupule's so loving to frequent this one particular spot, far down Waikiki reef toward Leahi's frowning headland. It had been reputed" as a haunted spot in the sea for centuries. This Mono, Kihapai (Pearl Garden) was made sacred by the strongest spells of sorcery known to the mystic rites of priestcraft ; so Tabued, as to invoke instant death upon whomsoever were found 212 KALANI OP OAHU. within its limits, except they were accompanied by one of the Kapu Alii or the royal family. The Pearl Garden was in the vicinity of the place where so many poor peasants had been dragged by the lasso to feed Moa-alii, in times of sacrifice. Sufficient reason in itself why others of their class became not too curious to encroach upon the dread domain, or spy upon its awful mysteries before their time of slaughter. It was called the Pearl Garden from being the rarest spot of coralline sea known in the Pacific ; where were found the largest royal seed pearls trafficked in commerce ; but its other mysteries were known only to the few. Yet it came to be observed by the knowing ones, that when even one of the royal divers tattled too much of the marvels of the place, he soon disappeared from among his friends, and his face was seen no more upon the earth. When the priests or the sooth- sayers were questioned about the lost divers, they attributed the disappearance to their being de- voured by some of the numerous guardian mon- sters of the tabued spot. Be that as it may. Those who dared breathe their thoughts about this matter ever whispered them in trembling and fear, having seen the peculiar smoke of human sacrifice ascending from the heiau after the previous loss of their com- panions, hinting that the less said about the matter the better for all concerned, lest still another tat- tling tongue should be missed from among them. THE PEARL GARDEN. 213 People grow wise as dangers thicken ; and un- ruly gossips learn best to guard their tongues in these countries where death is the penalty. Where even the gentle moon and the merry stars seem so many fiery-eyed spies, watching in the service of the vengeful Goddess of Kilauea. How else are so many snatched rudely from existence within the very hour of disclosing some tabued subject ? Many a day Kupule and her maidens would join the sporting wahines, swimming in the great break- ers, or on the still waters of the harbor near the town. But when tiring of this sport, and often after only watching the other wahines, without entering into their aquatic pastime, the Queen would dismiss her court maidens, and stepping lightly into her own frail canoe would dart out to the very verge of the floundering surf, till its flying foam-bubbles flecked her jetty hair as she spun swiftly along. Thus paddling or drifting, Kupule gradually approached the tabued spot which bore such a dread for every other wahine in the land but herself. As we have seen, Kupule, though but a win- some creature of sixteen years, was a wahine of heroic mould. A natural daughter of Kamehameha by a mountain mother, said to be near of kin to Pele, she was gifted with a heart where fear was but a fugitive emotion, which came not often nor tarried long. Semi-goddess as she was, the love of daring deeds became the very spirit of her existence. 214 KALANI OF OAHU. It may well be conceded that in the frequent conditions of such a mind the tumultuous rumble and roar of the great breakers found an answering resonance in her soul. Its stupendous barytone served well to lift a pondering mind above pigmy things, and was often in exquisite harmony with the grandeur of Kupule's warlike imaginings, while conceiving deeds of valor for her loved young King. For be it remembered that the Queen was born in an age and of a race where many a dark- eyed chieftess fought, from preference, side by side in the ranks with their noble lords. The first day of Kupule's courage being severely tested by any remarkable discovery in the Pearl Garden, though she had previously scanned miles on miles of rare coralline growths, was when com- ing suddenly upon the caverned lair of Moa-alii. She knew that his awful den was somewhere under the great reef-bed, but thought it was nearer Dia- mond Head, upon which his largest temple was erected. She was not at that time searching for the hidden mysteries of the nether world; but rather seeking to gratify her craving for poetic beauty in the coral habitat of the sea. But upon the day in question she discovered something which paled the rich carmine in her olive cheeks, and roused her native superstition to the utmost. On the following day it was no- ticed by her maiden companions that after a long interview with the high-priest, Paao at once pro- claimed a yet more strict tabu of the Mono, Kiha- CORAL BEAUTIES. 215 pai ; extending its bounds and increasing its pen- alties. And it was rightly guessed by the people that the Queen was the sole cause of it. It be- came a secret subject of gossip for months after, and curiosity was not wholly allayed until some of the males among the gossips were found kid- napped and fed to Moa-alii. Had not Kupule so recently endeared herself to her new subjects, this event would have created great prejudice against her. But as the pearl- fisheries belonged exclusively to the King, and he never had farmed out the Pearl Garden to any of his chiefs as he did other fisheries it came to be believed that the new tabu was solely to protect the unusually large pearls of that part of Waikiki Bay. Upon that conclusion it was accepted as a pardonable piece of female vanity in the Queen to restrict others from going there. On the day in question Kupule had paddled farther down the reef than usual, occasionally drifting quietly over some of the rarest spots in the Pearl Garden below, where the exquisite col- oring of the coral, and its endless variety, capti- vated her poetic mind. But whatever the charm we may encounter in the sunniest days of life, it is an inherent characteristic in such ideal minds as Kupule's to still search on with an ever increasing incentive for something yet more beautiful than this life contains. So the Queen continued her searching, ever onward, brooding in the delicious revery of an ardent maiden endowed with a kingly love. 216 KALANI OF OAHU. 4 At length she drifted with suspended paddle over some new charm ; and by the added flush upon her pearly cheek, and the unusual look of animation portrayed by every feature, it must be something strange or novel to so attract her from her dream-like revery. The meridian sun was just approaching a point in the zenith where it casts its minutest shadows, until even now Kupule's toy canoe was casting but a tiny shadow-speck upon the sheeny whiteness of the coral temples beneath. The startled creature was at that moment hov- ering over the forks of the five-road channel be- low, a spot known to be frequented by beautiful mermaids, as well as hideous eeries and other sea- monsters, positioned due south from the high tower in the great heiau, and probably the most curious and beautiful sea-bottom thoroughfare found in any madreporic sea. The young Queen bent more and more earnestly over the low gunwale, com- posing herself intently for yet another scrutiniz- ing search into the dim mysteries of the supernat- ural world below. After the closest attention Kupule could clearly trace the singular conformation of the beautiful sea-bottom beneath, and distinguish many a half- defined creature in human form, 'mid the deepest chasms over which she was drifting ; though the general level of the Pearl Garden was but a few fathoms beneath the surface, so shallow that a maiden could easily dive down and pluck shell or coral anywhere at her pleasure. But from where MOA-ALIl'S DEN. 217 the canoe now lay there could be seen a broad, deep channel, making out in the direction of the outer reef, where the increasing tumult of the great breakers crashed and roared with unusual significance, imparting a terrible meaning to the human ear when heard in such a place. So deeply creviced into the ocean-floor was this strange aquatic highway, that but for the vertical rays of the midday sun the human eye could not detect the snowy whiteness of the coral sand, which served to relieve the terrible gloom of the great abyss below. By the description she had received from the old "bard of Manoa Valley, Kupule knew that she was now in the immediate vicinity of the dread " Moa- alii's Den ; " the place of terror above all others for the fishermen who went beyond the reef to fish ; for it was not an infrequent occurrence for the poor fellows to be tossed from their canoes and swallowed at a gulp by the savage sea-god. From her present position Kupule could only distinguish a light-blue archway at the far end of the deep sandy roadway, out toward the breakers, reaching in under the great reef-bed to the sea beyond. But it is said that by the aid of a low- lying western sun, one can discern light through the deep, dark cavern an unquiet, disturbed light agitated and broken by the movable black shadows of great monsters within. This caverned den of Moa-alii was held in the utmost horror by all the natives of the Islands; 218 KALANI OF OAHTJ. the rapacious Moa-alii being the cause of much human sacrifice in times of war. Occasionally the hideous sea-god appeared in the quiet waters of Waikiki Bay, snapping up some native bather, and retreating with him to his caverned lair ; leaving a terrible trail of crimson in the disturbed waters, through which he had rushed like a meteor in the sky. Upon such occasions the cruel priests would add to the public grief, for deeming the occurrence one hinting to the Kapu Alii that they had been re- miss in their religious duties to the Moana AJcua (ocean god), they would at once order the sacri- fice of numerous other victims to appease the vora- cious maw of the ravenous monster. Thus it will be seen these many elements of terror might well serve to arouse the latent super- stition of even the god-born Queen, when she dis- covered into what dread domain she had drifted. Overhanging the steep sides of the ocean chan- nel-way, beneath her canoe, hung delicate shrubs and stately coral trees, leaning with precarious foothold out over the deep abyss below ; as gnarled old trees are sometimes seen to overhang a rocky cliff or deep ravine, until we almost watch to see them fall. These overhanging coral growths served to deepen the gloom of impenetrable shadow far down on the white sea-bottom, casting so many black veils over the dismal lurking places of the unsightly denizens of the deep. Hideous mon- THE RAPACIOUS SEA-GODS. 219 sters ! whose vast proportions are only guessed at by the jagged outline of their shifting shadows, occasionally thrust stealthily out into the torrid sunshine, denticulated in black silhouette upon the snow-white sand below. Unshapely creatures ! so almost visible in their deep ocean lairs as to create a loathing, and a cold, creeping horror, by the mere reflection of what they possibly might be. Even the boldest cannot but shudder when thus spying down upon the nether world ; gazing awe-stricken and eager, until one's flesh creeps and crawls at the very thought of pos- sible contact with such unshapely, slimy monsters. Rarely in this world have human eyes been per- mitted to look searchingly into one of these fright- ful haunts of the monstrosities of the sea. Some- times a fisherman, bolder than his fellows, has acquired a taste for looking into these unhallowed mysteries ; but, alas, his life was short, and his end- ing dreadful. But the god-born Queen supposed herself ex- empt from the frailties of common humanity, and though her superstitions were easily awakened, her courage was undaunted. And to one imbued with a courage that quails at nothing, and a patience content to bide its time, there is much to be dis- covered with all things favorable. While Kupule was thus hovering over the deep- est and widest part of this thickly peopled chasm, watching with the utmost stealth and stillness, there appeared just beneath her canoe, in fright- 220 KALANI OP OAHU. ful proximity, a great snarl of long, slimy tenta- cles hooked and clawed with a thousand writh- ing talons reaching out sixty feet into the sunlit channel. Floating thus stealthily out upon the inflowing current coming through Moa-alii's Den, these tentacles seemed as instinct with murderous intent as a squirming snarl of monstrous serpents. Kupule soon learned the meaning of this array of sandy-gray arms ; which, but for the dense waving shadows they cast upon the sunlit bottom, might have been taken for mammoth growths of floating sea-weed, they were vibrating so snake-like in the swaying motion of the current. A large fish came sauntering in from the sea, feeding from the coral branches, where a medusa or other radi- ate had caught, when incautiously striking against one of the tentacles, instantly two other tentacula closed upon him, and he was drawn struggling into the hidden maw of the gigantic Octopus thus ambushed like a highwayman under the overhang- ing bank. The young Queen shuddered at what she had seen, and with a few strokes of her paddle thrust herself away from the spot ; gently approaching the Five-Forks again, from which a trifling occa- sional air from the shore had wafted her canoe away. Though Kupule had thrust the ugly Octo- pus away from her sight, and brought her eyes to dwell once more upon the charms beneath her, yet the frightful creature she had seen clung like an incubus to her mind. She could not but remember THE CRIMSON CORAL. 221 its stealthiness, for never for a moment did the gigantic Devil Fish venture its monstrous body out into the light of day. Neither did other of the mammoth creatures show anything but their dim shadow-shapes ; and these uncertain reflections were only made visible as they crawled stealthily around some submarine projection, in passing from cavern to cavern, leaving the awed observer but little to judge of what manner of creature they might be looking upon. Puaaiki, the old bard, had told Kupule of many a fearless diver in the employ of the old king, who had innocently gone down in the vicinity of these haunts, in search of rare pearls, never again re- turning to his loved ones on earth. But directly about the Five Forks where Kupule now was, the water was less deep, and the hiding-places less capacious ; sufficient reason, she thought, to wholly exclude the larger denizens of the deep, and in- duce hope of having an interview with Oluolu, the queen mermaid of the Five Forks. Between the jutting forks of two of these shoal- est sandy reaches, leading deviously away toward the shore, there grew a stately Pinna-coral tree ; large as a pandana, and crimson as the gaudiest sunset of their clime. So red and diffusive in color was this great sea-shrub, that it cast a soft vermilion glow over the white coral about it ; even imparting a faint crimson tint to the far-down bottom of white sand in the reaches verily like a pink carpeting of apple-blossoms wind-strewn from their tree. 222 KALANI OP OAHU. Partly sheltered behind this stately crimson tree, waved the delicate mauve-colored foliage of a graceful Fan-coral ; its broad and beautiful leaves fancifully perforated like the magic fretwork of some fairy temple. Some of the long fronds were so thin and elastic that they swayed gracefully in the current, like the bending swale in a meadow stream. Upon these broad, rnauve-colored leaves could be traced many a quaint design, delicate as lace-work, as if woven by the consummate art of a cunning hand. Growing about everywhere upon the coral shrubs and porous rocks, clung the great pearl oysters, wherein nestle those princely gems which captivate the world. In the more open spots, where the eye could pierce down through the coral foliage to the bottom, could be seen numer- ous rare shells creeping merrily about, as if at play with the broken sunbeams. Here breed those delicate Pinna Pearls, or crim- son " wing-shells," divine conceptions of the wondrous seons of the deep, which produce the exquisite pink pearls and the lustrous red nacre so rarely seen out of the Orient, being too priceless for the general mart. And as if to add to its wonder, the byssus, or beard, by which the Pinna is an- chored to the bottom, is a costly cable of rich- brown silk. From this silken byssus the wahine chiefs plat themselves necklaces and bracelets like that about Kupule's neck, to which her pearls were attached. In India, gloves and many other DAUGHTERS OF OCEAN. 223 fabrics are woven from this byssus, though rarely seen outside of the harems. Round about the gorgeous Pinna-tree grew countless sea-flowers of every conceivable combi- nation of colors ; and when Kupule remembered that every minute corolla was the charming pro- ducts of a life (not a vegetable growth), being not only sensible to pain, but also instinct with visible life and passionate emotion, lives capable of re- ceiving exquisite pleasure from the sunlight, and which are prompted to loving companionship by the subtle Luna orb, whose mystic influence affects all viable creation. Well might the gentle Queen find intelligent companionship among these pretty polypidoms " daughters of ocean " and love to watch the conscious beauties preen and perk in the sun, swaying playfully in the clear blue tides, joyously as land-flowers swing in the wind and sun. The god- born girl had early taught herself wise lessons by observation, as she daily played from early childhood in the coral sea among the swim- ming polyps and matured corolla, with their royal mauves and purples, and delicate carnations and deeper crimson petals ; all living products, not senseless marine growths as are generally sup- posed. And here in her queenly home she again made playmates with the charming sea-flowers, watching them bud and blossom and produce seed out of which sprung animate animal life in floral form ; being gifted with keen intelligence and quick 224 KALANI OP OAHU. perceptions in choosing their friends. True, they were not herbaceous, having woody stems like her palace-flowers, but, more wonderful still, they were horny or calcareous. Every rosette or sea- flower will be found instinct with hunger, and may be daily seen feeding, gathering their own food by the aid of tiny arms, or long tentacles, searching warily about in their brief limit, and de- vouring whatever small animalcule they can seize upon. Thus being a lover of these wonderful marine anthology, Kupule had long since come to the knowledge of judging by the form and color of the young swimming larvce what manner of subma- rine shrub or sea-flower they would become at maturity, selecting those kinds she liked best to transplant in her sea-garden near the Waikiki palace. Choosing one of the slim, translucent pearl-colored larva to transplant for " Music-Coral " the most beautiful of the anthozoa when seen in full blossom. The larva of the " Neptune's Cup " is a deep vermilion, while others of the polyzoa are a dark brown, or robin's-egg blue. Ever choosing the thick-rumped, clumsy little milk-white larva, which swims backward with great activity, and are more numerous than all others, to plant for the shrub- border of her madreporic garden. Having to seek days sometimes to find one of the rare dark- rumped, gray-bodied larvae with tiny pink eyes, from which grow the gorgeous Pinna shrubs GAUDY SEA-FISHES. 225 tipped with their enchanting pink corolla which serve to transform the clear turquoise sea into scenes of Oriental splendor. Some of these baby polypi can be caught while swimming nimbly about always stern foremost while others, a trifle more matured, are plucked from their eternal anchorage, after having fastened upon a rock purposely or by accident. For after a brief existence the young larvae adhere to what- ever they touch from a plastic lymph which exudes from the rump for the purpose. Once caught, they build a coral temple about themselves thenceforth flowering and fruiting, each after the manner of their kind. Like gorgeous birds among the tree-tops of a tropical forest hovered the innumerable colored fishes everywhere. Flitting in and out among the coral branches and the drooping leaves, they flashed their various hues like butterflies among flowers. Occasionally these rainbow-colored fishes would be seen shooting suddenly upward in a cloud from among their coral covert, darting above the foliage with many a furtive look behind, as if they had been driven away by some common im- pulse of fear like a flock of startled lories in the palm-grove so intimidated by the sinister movement of some vindictive sea-god. But when all became quiet again, hundreds of these red parrot-bills would be seen feeding from off the snowy foliage of the stately corals, seeming verily like the crimson blossoms of fresh-blown 15 226 KALANI OF OAHU. flowers; while deeper down among the winding avenues of the coral groves roved countless shoals of gold-fishes, dazzling with yellow brightness in the torrid ray, as if they themselves were but rov- ing sunbeams. Here was a scene of wondrous life and beauty well fitted to captivate a less poetic soul than Kupule's. Though born in a crater, and reared accessible to the great reef-beds of Hilo Bay, the Queen here found such fascination as joyed her young soul. But she who, while yet in maternal arms, had seen the flame-clad Pele dancing like a gypsy in the volcanic fires of Kilauea ; and had since looked face to face upon the divine Goddess in her hour of wrath ; was endowed with courage to delve among the monstrosities of the sea ; and perceptions sufficiently delicate to open her inmost soul to the exquisite charms of the scenes here opening upon her. And who could guess better than this god-born girl that as yet the presiding spirit of this enchant- ing spot had failed to disclose itself to her human eyes ? For well she knew that out of all perfect elements, whatever their nature, there must ever arise a presiding spirit, a divine seon or incarna- tion, born of its own ethereal essence in quality and in kind. And in search of this essential spirit Kupule still prolonged her stay. Though her girl- soul had filled to repletion with what she had al- ready seen, still was she thirsting, like a wanderer in the desert, for the one complete fulfilment of SEEKING THE INVISIBLE. 227 that which had already baptized her young soul in beauty. With a touch light as a seabird's wing in the sea, Kupule dipped her light paddle in the still water, changing her canoe about from one enchant- ing spot to another, yet finding no view so beauti- ful as at the Five Forks, where the crimson coral rose queenly and grand above its white compan- ions. Kupule had now become so fascinated with the place that she cared not to tear herself away from the spot, especially as she continually caught glimpses of something strange and unusual, dim, human-like creatures moving stealthily about in the black shadows of the subterranean by-ways. How they stirred her on to continued search ! Some of these shadowy disclosures would sil- houette verily like human forms upon the sheeny whiteness of the ocean floor. Sometimes she caught veritable glimpses of small, girlish upturned faces and tiny outstretched hands, as if the half- defined sea-nymphs were themselves spying up- ward to herself and her canoe, endeavoring to lure her below. In such moments the enthused young Queen would catch her breath, and press her fair hands wildly upon her ungarmented bosom, wherein her tumultuous heart beat loud and strong with cer- tain expectation of soon beholding the unholy mysteries she sought. But the timid sea-people are ever shy, and abound in cunning ways to pre- 228 KALANI OF OAHU. vent a full exhibit of themselves. Though, like the earth-maiden above them, these habitans of the deep are ever curious to peer forth into the upper world ; but lest they should be seen are al- ways receding from one place of lookout, and ap- pearing stealthily at another. Might it not be that the roused human gaze so concentrates upon a half-discovered mystery as to project a pungent, electric shock, terrifying the object of our investi- gation? For certain it is that once the human eye rests strongly upon one of these shadowy fig- ures, they melt away before the gaze like dew be- fore the sun. Who of us ocean wanderers has not thus found himself gazing down among the coral groves of a tropic sea, with a sometime half-assurance of soon beholding an embodiment of our fantastic visions of the unknown folk-people in the luculent depths of ocean? Yet when searching these stalactic caverns and madreporic gardens of the sea, who can tell whether the shadowy shapes we discover are viable realities or born of the hour within our own teeming brains ? For the human mind is capable of being aroused into most profound conditions of awe by the very weirdness of its own conceptions. It was thus Kupule peered down into the sandy reaches and sunlit grottoes, her wide eyes flashing about with momentary expectation. Watching until her young heart stood still, so awed with wonder at the near approach to the unseen rather MELODY OP THE SEA. 229 than at the visible ; gazing until her quick respira- tion hushed itself into the smallest available breath- ings. While Kupule was thus attributing every waving motion imparted to the delicate sea-grasses, the red dulse or the mauve-colored flowers, to the stealthy movement of some dark-faced Eerie, such as often haunts the conception of us all, suddenly a single note of exquisite music vibrated against the bottom of the canoe, as Kupule leaned low down over the gunwale, with her flushed young face mirrored in the sea. The startled girl was thrilled by the sweet strains as by an electric spark v so tense and tuneful were the delicate neuroses of her soul in such a moment of awe. The melody that had aroused her was a simulate of the clear, sweet tremolo, made by a wet finger rubbed upon the vibrations rim of a glass bell. And again it came, rising higher and higher, swelling at length into the softest pianissimo of a far-away human voice. So intent had Kupule been upon the beauties of the Pearl Garden, that she had not noticed the sun's creeping up to the full meridian day. Nor until this moment had she remembered what the fishermen and the old bard had told her of the Meles o ke Kai songs of the sea heard only at midnight and midday, somewhere out in the vicinity of Moa-alii's Den. That it was music she heard, and music of the strangest, sweetest melody, there lingered no 230 KALANI OP OAHU. doubt Jn the mind of the startled Queen. But whence it came, and who gave it utterance, as yet she could form no conception. Thus far the exquisite cadence was detected and determined as much by Kupule's roused sense of feeling as by her hearing ; by its vibrations against the thin bottom of the canoe, rather than against the tympanum of the maiden's ear. The whole soul of the young creature became thrilled by the witching strains. Her long black hair crackled as from an electric spark, waving with life-like excitation in the windless air. Her dark eyes sparkled with a look of sweet content, flashing like the mirrored sun in the sea. She sat entranced with wonder at the psychic spirits she had aroused. Kupule's first thought was of ambient spirits in the adjacent air. But not a cloud was visible in all the summer sky, on which to perch a kindly spirit or an evil spook. Look where she would, there was naught to bequeath her wandering con- ceptions upon. Was it Pele she asked calling to her from Loa's distant peak ? For something, such strains had been heard in the Kiowai ere the Goddess came forth. It was not probable that it was the dread Goddess, for Loa and Kilauea were slum- bering in the utmost tranquillity ; and one of these craters were always aroused and active when the divine Pele was abroad. Wearied with her long watching, Kupule at THE MYSTERIOUS STRAINS. 231 length became terrified by her own superstitions ; so annoyed at the thought of hearing repeated strains of music out there upon the open bay, that she seized her paddle and spun her light canoe swiftly to the Waikiki shore. While hastening to the beach, cleaving the blue water and tossing the foam, though all uncon- scious of the occurrence at the time, Kupule acquired a distinct landmark b}^ which to find the Five Forks again. Two pandana trees were in exact range with the tower in the great Heiau ; and she afterwards remembered the trees and the tower when she eventually wished to retrograde her track. Kupule grew calmer ere she reached the shore, and with a thoughtfulness above her years, deter- mined to keep her own counsel, and not disclose what she had seen and heard ; settling into the conviction that the ocean melody she had heard was a part of the supernatural agency ever around her, Kupule adhered strictly to her first conception of secrecy, imparting nothing of what had tran- spired to even Manona or Leleha, the two best- loved among her wahine Alii 8. As we have said, only relating her discovery to the Tabu Chief, re- questing Paao to not only confirm the present Kapu o Make (tabu of death) about the Pearl Garden, but also to make it more extensive in its aqueous bounds. ON the unseen brink of a world unknown, Met the earth-born Queen and an Elf from her zone ; Each were queens in their clime, and met with delight, Yet were awed with wonder, and chilled with fright ! From the Fountain sprang, conjured up by pray'r, With her azure eyes and her amber hair ; She sat 'neath the spray, with the moon on her face, A vision of beauty and fairy-like grace. Ah ! this meeting of Spirits from worlds remote, Is a terror to dread, more than words denote ; E'en the stars blushed gold ! and the moon grew cold T Yet they wove for the Elf-queen a raiment of gold. And the orange-bells, and the fronded palms, Chimed a song of delight o'er the Elf-queen's charms ; And the surf and the sea, and the fountain's spray, Played an anthem of joy on the lunar ray. 232 CHAPTER XIII. N the following morning the trade- winds struck down strong, and continued so throughout several days following Ku- pule's visit to the Pearl Garden, thus debarring further investigation of the mysteries of the dread Mona Kiliapai until smoother times. But roused by the past mysterious occurrence to more zealous attention to her religious duties, the Queen now frequented the Kiowai o Pele in the sacred grove, for both orison and vespers ; the place having become doubly sacred to her since Pele's ap- pearing there face to face with herself and the King. Yet woven conspicuously into the subtile weft and warp of her recent religious duties, was an ever ulterior motive. Is not such an under-current of frequent occurrence in very } T oung devotees of her sex ? Believing that the divine strains she had heard emanated from Pele, and if addressed solely to herself, exalted her to a high place among the elect, Kupule now sought to learn by earnest watch- fulness and frequent prayer, if the imperious God- dess would not submit to further communication. And as the sea was too rough for boating, de- barring her from the Pearl Garden, she ingen- 233 234 KALANI OF OAHU. iously asked : Might not the divine strains be vouchsafed to her prayerful supplications at the sacred Kiowai? But although Kupule's superstitions were exalt- ed to the utmost, and in numerous visits she had watched with patient assiduity in the only small space left smooth by the falling waters of the foun- tain, yet only the charming image of her own fail- face had responded to her gaze. And except the tinkling notes of the falling spray, never a sound of melody had reached her ears from the fountain : only the quickening heart-beat of a hushed and reverent maiden, kneeling there breathless among the marginal flowers, was ever heard upon the pal- pitant air. Though the Kiowai had failed the Queen in her appeal for divine interposition, it could never be other than a sacred place of reverence and mys- tery, after what she had witnessed in company with Kalani. While sitting upon its border, Ku- pule was ever repaid by a flood of wild, strange thoughts, glowing with poetic fervor. There she ever seemed in the viable presence of supernat- ural spirits, those all-pervading Invisibles which so mould our destinies, and advance or terminate the lives of nations at their will. Among such in- fluences, the thoughts of this god-born girl would climb to the stars, or delve down into the utmost recesses of the seething earth following the beau- tiful Ignipoteut into her fiery element, down to the roaring sea of incandescence beneath. SEARCHING FOE THE UNSEEN. 235 Not wholly satisfied with her numerous day-visits to the sacred Kiowai, Kupule thought to test the charmed hour of midnight by the mystic light of the moon. The night orb was now at Hoku (nearly full), when her mysterious influence was approach- ing its most subtile consummation ; that baleful hour when the bodiless spirits of the nether world quick- en from their brief embryotom}', and take sudden wing to infest the world with evil, or endow it with good works, each according to their kind. Rising softly from her simple couch of luhala mats and pulu pillows, Kupule groped her way from among her slumbering maidens, grouped about their Queen like a constellation of lesser stars, and flinging a robe of flimsy tapa about her nude young form, the heroic creature climbed alone to the sacred hill in the orange grove. Following retrograde by the babbling brook, which was an acceptable companion in the stillness of starlight, Kupule groped her way among the dark trees, and at length seated herself b}^ the foun- tain to await the coming moon. The shaggy peak of Waolani yet hid the approaching Hoku, and left the brave young Queen sitting in the deepest shadow. Ere the mystic noon-of-night reached its throne in the zenith, the inquiring face of Hoku was seen peering down from the mountain top ; flinging her yellow locks about the hatless head of Waolani, who sat frowning upon the world below. Soon the welcomed moon began weaving her gorgeous 236 KALANI OF OAHTJ. mosaic of broken beams among the whispering trees, and over the pensive flowers by the foun- tain's rim; reserving the yellowest of her moon- kisses for the upturned face of the maiden who greeted her coming so gladly. Whether purposely or by chance, we know not, but then, as now, there was a small open space among the encroaching tree-tops above the foun- tain. Though the rising night-queen had not quite reached the altitude where she could bathe her am- ber locks in the waters of the spring, yet ever lav- ish with her effulgence, she was playfully weaving her abundant gold-beams among the topmost jets and falling sprays of the sacred Kiowai ; as when some loving hand in playful dalliance may weave her rosy fingers among the flowing locks of the loved one, at greeting. Was it the rose-flush of fever that crimsoned the maiden's face, or a gentle and not unpleasant awe- terror, parching the throat of the Queen, in that hushed moment of expectation ? Whatever it may have been, she craved a frequent lip-touch of the cool waters of the spring, and leaned over to quench her sudden thirst, sipping from the dainty dipper formed by the hollow of her hand. And again she reached for a second drink. But why does she so hesitate? tarrying with hand suspended and eyes more lustrous than the stars ! Fixedly she sat, with heaving bosom and rapid breathing, looking intently down into the still shadowed waters as yet illumined by only a few CONVOKING THE SPIRITS. 237 twinkling stars, and the one small glimmer of broken moonbeam that has found its way to the spot of still water wherein she gazes. Is it only her own reflection the startled Queen has dis- covered, limned in softest silhouette by the stars ? Who can tell ? Being there for the sole purpose of conjuring up the divine Pele to an interview, or, failing in that, some sylvan spirit or harmless wood-nymph from the viewless world about her, what wonder that her young heart should so flutter with trepidation at thought of the supernatural beings she might convoke about her, and not even her darling puna hele bosom companion Manona, or her loved Leleha there to witness her being spirited away perhaps to return to her beautiful Oahu home no more ! Kupule was born of a warlike race, and like all of her human kindred was a fervent worshipper of Pele. Her kinship had also imbued her with yet greater reverence for the goddess, which was still more increased by the remembrance of Pele's condescension to herself and Kalani, when the fiery ignipotent made herself visible to their human ej r es. After such an experience, and in the con- sideration of her birthright, it did not seem too much for the maiden to expect that Pele would in some way respond to her inordinate wish for another interview. And upon this she was intent, gazing with the utmost vehemence of her soul. Throwing her unbound tresses from off her face, 238 KALANI OP OAHU. and casting her tapa robe from off her fair round shoulders, Kupule nestled down upon the dewless grass and among the sister flowers herself the fairest blossom among them all and bent with the utmost eagerness to the task of defining what had so aroused her attention deep down in the spring. Leaning with the wild reverence of a devotee over the dark waters, she searched again and again for yet one more glimpse in duplicate of her own weird imaginings. What romantic maiden, in love with herself, or, better still, with another, has not undergone in some measure Kupule's experience ? Striving thus with outstretched hand to lift the mystic veil that hides the mirrored future from her view, peering with supplicating eyes into the starlit sky for want of some better media. But upon more momen- tous occasions, when love becomes laggard, and the heart yearns for companionship, seeking some remote woodland spring, with better assurance of accomplishing her fond divination, and thus still- ing down the wild unrest of her bosom. While thus gazing in a delicious flutter of ardent hope and beleaguering fears, Kupule had been startled by what seemed at first but her own sim- ple reflection, seen deep down in the tremulous waters of the shadowed pool. Yet after gazing with greater intensit}^ seeking further assurance, what was her amazement to see the supposed reflec- tion retreating furtively away from her too eager quest sinking slowly and stealthily away from THE ELF-QUEEN. 239 its first position of apparent nearness, down, down into the ray less gloom where human vision cannot follow. And this was Kupule's terrifying experience. Well might she become startled and dismayed when awakened to the full conviction that what she had seen was really some sweet-faced elf-girl of the spring coming timidly up to greet her, until frightened rudely back by the sudden eagerness of the earth-girl's gaze. But so wholly had the elf disappeared if an elf it was that Kupule became in doubt whether she had really seen any- thing or not. It becomes a matter for physicists to determine whether these mystical visions so often encoun- tered in moments of mental delusion are really glimpses of supernatural beings such as people the aqueous and pneumatic elements, wherein all fren- zied minds are wont to seek them, or whether they are the divine conceptions of our own creative minds when exalted and enthused, conceived in answer to ardent search and intense desire. Perplexed and bewildered for the moment, Ku- pule covered her face to shut out all further de- ception from her deluded eyes, while she waited, silent and trembling, the rising of the moon suffi- cient to fully luminate the fountain. The next half hour was spent in wondering revery at what had transpired. And as all delusions grow out of what they feed upon, she soon came to possess the strongest possible conviction that if a veritable 240 KALANI OF OAHU. vision had not been seen, certainly one was yet in store for her. And while she thus waited, fortifying herself for the coming event, whatever it might be, the broad, bright face of Hoku crept up over the tree- tops, glinting the shining leaves with yellow ra- diance, and deepening the golden hue of the orange globes. And when Kupule unveiled her eyes, Hoku had mirrored her own wahine moon-face in the still water beside the face of the girlish Queen. With a look of wild expectation Kupule with- drew the hands from her face, intent to peer down once more into the spring beneath her. But a muffled cry of joy rose to her lips as she beheld a slight, fair creature sitting in the moonlight, arched over by the falling spray of the moon-gold foun- tain. The Elf maiden sat upon the ebullient water light as a bubble floats on the air, a tiny counter- part of what Kupule had dwelt upon during her waiting for the moon. Not like one sitting at ease sat the evanescent Elf-girl, but like a startled bird with wings alert, half flexed to fly, in grave doubt whether to abide or depart. What wonder that the tiny creature showed such timidity when thus confronted by a human maiden with staring midnight-eyes voiced with terror, and orbed like fire ! What a contrast were these two from adjacent spheres. The tiny girlish face of the Elf beamed like a star, her lustrous beauty serving to form a shining halo about her NANI, THE FAIRY QUEEN. 241 head. Her long yellow hair grew more than golden, so tenderly imbued by the moonlight. It was indeed she, the fairy Queen of the Elves, who ruled over all the elfin tribes of Oahu. She had come not wholly in answer to Kupule's prayer, but rather on a mission of love and pride, for it had long been in dispute at the court of the elves as to who was the most beautiful, Kupule or Nani, their golden-haired Queen. So true it is that the gossips of air, and the unseen elves in the foun- tains and rivers, are moved to dispute over the graces and virtues of earth-born maids. Henceforth who will smirk, with so many to see ? Who will prink and preen in brook or spring when a thousand bright eyes are sure to be near. Think of these Elves patterning by our smiles when we mirror our coquetries in brook or pier ; aping our graces of manner or mien, when we adorn for some loved one of high degree. How they peered at each other, like strange birds met by a stream ; this Queen of the Isles and this Elf of the spring ! How like to each other in feature and form are these pretty types of nature's best handiwork ! But how unlike in all else ! One so tiny beside her sister Queen; blue-eyed and am- ber-haired, with red lips like the 'baby-buds of unblown roses. To Nani, how full of questioning wonder seemed the large dark eyes of Kupule ; and what terror in the massive hair, dark-hued as a tempest, dancing and writhing with electric exci- tation in the quivering moon-silence of the night ! ' 242 KALANI OP OAHU. There sat the Elf-queen so timid and sweet and tiny, arrayed in no vesture but the yellow flocks of her sunbeam hair, till the kindly night-queen, with maternal thoughtfulness and an affluent hand, flung down over the Elf-girl a robe of am- ber beauty that was dazzling to behold a gar- ment of moonbeam rich spun with gold, rayed over with starlight and gemmed with opals from the fountain's spray. The longer Kupule gazed upon Nani, the more the dim and half defined Elf-maiden attained to perfect shape and graceful contour. The fair, sweet face so unearthly in its beauty which at first appeared so ghostly and uncertain to hu- man eyes, now came to beam with intelligence, answering swiftly back to Kupule's orbal ques- tionings like the faces of coy human lovers con- fronted in some rustic lane. How the soft blue eyes of little Nani question and stare at the expression of amazement still lin- gering on the face of Kupule ! How her small red lips rimple into timid smiles at detecting something so akin to terror in the awe-touched face of her companipn ! She, the dark, majestic Queen, who dared to conjure up whomsoever would appear ; fascinating the little Elf-queen up from among her elfin mates ; why should she fear a creature so frail and so fair ? Thus they sit and stare and study, showing a mimosa-like shrinking of mutual fear lest they should startle each other away. Something verily DISAPPEARANCE OF THE ELF. 243 like a human maiden's blushes come and go over the tiny moon-touched cheeks of Nani, flitting and glowing like the autumnal aurora discerned in the far northern skies. How Kupule longed to question the young im- mortal with audible voice and vocal words, but dare not lest she fly at the tones of her voice. She so wished to reach forth two loving hands and gather the enchanting vision to her side. But she rightly felt that with the first spoken word, the first aggressive movement, the spell would be broken, and the fountain would call back the transcendent creature forever from her gaze. So, with her breath hushed back to the softest respiration, and her human emotions chained down with all her imperial will, she watched and waited, and questioned with her wondering eyes ; while Nani answered back some of the infinite thoughts of her soul. Time, to these two, had been as naught ; sitting there upon the flimsy border of the great unknown, while the invisible curtain was lifted, by what power we know not, for a few brief hours' gaze. Suddenly, with an outcry almost of pain, Ku- pule sprang up and leaped with outstretched arms into the fountain ; but, alas ! only to clutch the empty waters in her frantic hands. All unob- served by the maidens, the moon had dropped down the west, until the tops of the overhanging trees suddenly shut out her beam from the spring to the terror of the Fairy ; and as a bubble floats 244 KALANI OP OAHU. swiftly away on the air, so had receded the beauti- ful Elf-queen from the enraptured gaze of Kupule. When Kupule thus found herself alone under the falling spray of the fountain, she dived swiftly down in search of Nani, groping about the rocky bottom of the spring ; but the Elf-maiden was gone. The heart of the young Queen sank within her as she came empty-handed to the surface, sor- rowing that the visible and the invisible had thus met in sweet accord ; and yet no word had been uttered no key-note imparted by which to again lift the invisible veil, and conjure up some answering spirit to her call. A hush as of universal death came over the night in that hour. Silence lay like a white pall over the land and sea. The ever unceasing foun- tain now stilled down its falling spray until its tinkling waters fell with velvet footsteps upon grass and flowers. The leaves upon the orange trees hung limp and tremulous, as with the fear of impending dissolution. Throughout the grove the orange globes swung like funeral bells, tolling a requiem unheard by human ears. The moon- light flooded the Nuuanu cold and chill and ghostly as if Death were dead ! The wail of the far-off surf on the shore sounded wild and un- earthly, like the mournful echo of some funeral dirge over the much-loved dead. Even the garrulous rivulet became less sportive in that hour, hushing its dulcet symphonies, so awed by the momentous occurrence of the night, THE GHOSTLY MOONLIGHT. 245 tinkling a solemn nocturne to its playmate flowers as it ran stealthily through the ghostly moonlight on its way to the sea. Ah ! it is indeed an intui- tive ear that can interpret all the inarticulate voices of such a night; whisperings too unearthly to court inspection by unhallowed ears ; utterances of flitting, fluttering Spirits never fully outlined to timorous souls, nor ever wholly invisible to ideal minds like Kupule's ! Swimming out from the fountain, and wringing the water from her masses of hair, Kupule took the hillside path which led back to the palace. Silently she stole in, with a hush over footstep and breathing, for stillness had acquired a new mean- ing in that hour. She had not been missed by her maidens, for the slumber of girlhood days is inno- cent and sweet and unbroken. Without waking even Leleha to her aid, the reverent young Queen dried her hair, murmured an invocation to Pele, and crept softly into her couch for slumber and dreams. 'Tis mid -day on the ocean blue ! The winds and waves are hushed to sleep j Kupule guides her light canoe Where noontide slumbers on the deep : Watching the dusky forms below Flitting like spirits to and fro. The dauntless Queen explores the sea Far down among the corals rare, Where green-eyed monsters flit and flee, With monstrous Eeries everywhere : Paling the maiden's cheeks with fear Lest dread Moa-alii should appear ! Remote from all the haunts of men Oahu's Queen thus drifts and dreams, Intent to search with fearless ken Where mid-day sun intrudes his beams : Watching the beauteous Sea-queen swim, Far down among the caverns dim ! With bated breath she peers below, Half terrified while she explores ; Where gleam the corals white as snow, And blue and crimson madrepores ! Mermaids appear at length in view, Luring the Queen 'neath ocean's blue. 246 CHAPTER XIV. HEN morning came, the strong trades of the past week had died away. The gigantic surf was rolling in with unusual turbulence, the lingering effect of the strong winds during the,, past days. Though the great undulations were still heavy without, yet within, the bay lay calm and unruffled, and off Waikiki beach the Pearl Garden was smooth and glassy as a mirror. Kupule's plans were at once made for the day, when seeing how tranquil it had become. Next to the importance of ruling the kingdom during Kalani's absence, was the growing necessity of solving some of the mysteries of the tabued sea lying off the great heiau at Waikiki. Throughout her young life, in her far off Hilo home, Kupule had ever tasked herself with such labors ; but now she required the vertical sun to facilitate her search, and impatient hours must pass before she attempted her voyage to the mysterious Mona Kihapai. From the old Bard we learn that it was the daring child-girl, Pelelulu of Hawaii, who knew most of the surf wonders on the reef at Hilo, and 247 248 KALANI OP OAHU. of the cliffs and caves and waterfalls along Wai- luku's romantic river. It was Pelelulu who suc- ceeded in winning the timid Luna-Sprite of Anuenue (Rainbow falls) into many an interview beneath the full-orbed Kulu ; a sweet mist spirit who would never remain visible to any one but the god-born princess, when they entered her cave, deep in, under the bended bow of the Falls. It was also Pelelulu who so loved the wild haunts about the Pei-Pei Falls, that its broad sheet of tremulous waters would sing like a chorus of spirits at her approach. But above all, it was the same daring Pelelulu who set the first example of swimming through the dark water-galleries of the Puka-o-maui : those terrible subterraneous caverns through which the Wailuku compels its mountain torrent in reverence and aqueous wor- ship to Pele, who has channelled this temple of gloom through the black rocks of their waters. And now that the princess of Hawaii has become Kalani's Queen, she is exploring yet another and more wondrous field of supernatural agencies; seeking companionship with those evanescent spirits numerous in all elements so beautiful in conformation, and so charming in the influence they possess over our lives. For it was as true in those far-gone days as now " The pure in heart see the gods." From the palace hill up the Nunanu, hundreds of merry wahines and happy children could be seen swimming in the harbor or sporting on the THE ELF-QUEEN IN DISGUISE. 249 great rollers of the monstrous surf. After the morning meal, Kupule and her maidens went down to join in the pleasant pastime, and frolic like dolphins in the blue waters of the bay. Thus passed the morning hours in luxurious de- light. When at length the swimming was ended, and Leleha had dressed the black masses of her mistress' hair, while Kupule sat on the mats under the moi pama king palm on the point, the maidens were sent away to the forest. Most of the Queen's wahines were already gone to the Kaliki valley to gather the red Ohea in which they delighted. But now, Manona, the sweet-voiced puua hele of the Queen, was also sent away with the rest to gather the fragrant hibiscus flowers to make leis wreaths for them all, while the Queen stepped lightly into her tiny waa to wander by herself about the charming bay. Kupule was impatient to again enter upon her search among the mysteries of the Mona KiTiapai. She was exulting with renewed hope of once more listening to the strains of exquisite music that had so enchanted her the week before. As the Queen spun her little canoe away from the shore, and sped like a bird across the bay, her heart beat wildly at thought of the weird pleasure awaiting her. But what was her surprise to find herself accompanied by a large Anuenue ia (Rainbow fish), by far the most beautiful of the piscatory habitans of the coral sea. Whatever direction Kupule took, and whether 250 KALANI OP OAHU. paddling fast or slow, the following Anuentie was ever by her side, flashing its brilliant crimson in the sun. Though the great fish was half the length of her paddle, there was nothing about it to excite apprehension, for its whole appearance was friendly, only that there was a knowing, impish look of human intelligence about the creature that was rather startling to contemplate, and ended with inspiring a degree of awe in Kupule that she could not quite throw off. If Kalani was dead she might not doubt that her new companion was the disembodied spirit of the King. But word had come that very morning of his safety, which led the intuitive girl to believe that the friendly Anuenue was without doubt her little Nani, the pretty Elf-queen of the fairies, else why did it look so knowing when called by her name ; and why wag its silvery tail, and turn its great golden eye up to Kupule with a look of something more than friendliness. Paddling her light canoe close along the inner reef-bed, where the blue waters lay as tranquil as crystal beneath her eye, and the tropic sun delved down into the mysterious depths, unveiling the gorgeous cities of the sea ; well might the joyous Queen forget all else in her delight and wonder. Here she discovered fresh clusters of glistening shells that had been hurled over the reef by the wash of the furious breakers. There, flashed away frightened swarms of colored fishes startled by the approach of the waa flushing the turkois sea with the hues of sunset clouds. THE PEARL GARDEN. 251 Now she came where the corals were crimson and blue and green ; which, with the waving mauve-colored madrepores, and the blood-red dulse, comprised a scene of Oriental enchantment for the eye ; while the unconscious ear was ever capti- vated and held in thrall by the hoarse bassoon of the rumbling breakers ; which, while it lulled one into revery, ponderings of things seen and things unseen, it also awakened a sense of awe that over- shadowed even the noonday sun. Fit accessaries were these to arouse the requisite intuition for ex- ploring such a spectral sea. Yet how strange is the fact, that not only the sublime and terrible in nature, but also the charm of its exquisite beauties connected with the sea, ever arouse the most sombre reflections in the mind of the idealist. Though Kupule did not realize just where she had been upon the previous days, when she re- treated in such haste to escape her superstitious fears, yet she at once recognized the arched en- trance of Moa-alii's Den when she neared it ; when, following inshore on the range of the pan- danas on with the temple tower, soon brought her to the desired spot over the Five Forks. With a soft backward stroke of her paddle-blade, the awed young Queen stilled her little waa until it lay motionless on the hyaline sea, just where she required it ; while the still following Anuenue swam quietly under the canoe, and rested motion- less against its bottom, satisfied to be in loving proximity to her companion. 252 KALANI OP OAHU. How the ardent soul of Kupule stood reverent and alert in this moment, like a startled bird with lifted wings ready for flight ! With a lambent gleam pervading her dark eyes, and ears alert to catch the first strain of the unearthly music she came to hear, Kupule looked long and eagerly about among the novel nooks and shadowed niches in the coral rocks, and among the madreporic trees. But not a note of the exquisite cadence came to greet her ear. Only the roar of the bellowing surf claimed the attention of the impatient girl, as the undulations floundered in unrelenting fury on the obtruding reef. Only this, and the muffled songs of birds in the adjacent palm grove of Waikiki, and the more distant songs of children, and the bleat of the far- away mountain goats ; as the one played upon the palm-fringed shore, and the others called down with plaintive cry from the jagged battlements of frowning Puawai. Only these divergent sounds greeted her ear. But the sun yet lacked something of meridian, so Kupule fell to searching the surrounding mad- reporic region beneath with closer attention than she had found patience to bestow before. But what has so suddenly aroused the attention of the watchful Queen ? For presently, as she leaned in graceful pose over the frail canoe, the faintest, flimsiest, outline of a strange nondescript in half human form grew slowly upon her vision as she gazed. She had suffered her canoe to drift THE FRIGHTFUL EERIE. 253 a little away from over the Forks, wafted shore- ward by the strong concussion coming from the resounding surf, and was now lying over one of the narrow sandy gulches so closely overhung by the various coral growths. The half-defined creature Kupule had discovered seemed maliciously inclined at first as it stealthily approached the canoe, coming cautiously up from its deeply-caverned haunt. With many a furtive glance from its great green eyes, it slowly emerged from among the calcareous rocks and etiolate fo- liage, when, changing its purpose, it swam slowly away in the direction of the Forks with many a backward, angry glance, like that of a cowardly dog who slinks sheepishly away for kindred aid, to assail whom it would attack. Seeing the great sea-beast had not courage to attack her, Kupule followed slowly back whence she came. The uncouth creature that had gone before seemed half fish and half human, with a coarse, gross, and hairy face of the most hideous aspect. Though the eye could trace an apparently positive outline to the shape of the mammoth creature, yet the ghostly thing was possessed of less substance than a morning mist. For neither its great saucer-like eyes, nor its long sharp fangs, seemed attached to anything tangible; only assum- ing the normal position of teeth and eyes ; ae did the heart and stomach, which could be seen with- out impediment from the transparent body. Kupule's dislike of this monster was increased 254 KALANI OF OAHU. by the apprehension displayed by the little Anue- nue, which at once took position close alongside the canoe, with a look of fear at the ugly sea-god, and many an appealing glance at Kupule. Nestling close under the paddle-blade, even with its wildly erect dorsal above the surface, it suffered the hand of the Queen to stroke its head, while it rubbed its nose affectionately against her palm. And from this moment, Kupule became confirmed in her be- lief that it was her little Nani, who had thus as- sumed the shape of the beautiful Anuenue ia. Who among us could thus gaze unterrified upon such an unhallowed denizen of the deep ? A shape without substance. Yet the very quality of its partial visibility chained one to the perilous task of exploring its invisibleness. Well might the courageous Queen quail and quiver, with some- thing very akin to disgust and fear, to thus find her unhallowed wishes so strangely answered by the unearthly powers she had invoked, when this dim, dark Eerie became thus outlined before her human gaze. This almost human-shaped creature, evanescent as vapor, what could it be ? A seeming body, though bodiless. Having an apparent quality of visibility, though impalpable as the sunlit air. So truly bodiless was this uncouth monster, that it was seen to swim through and through the dens- est foliage among the great coral trees ; pass- ing hither and yon without causing the slightest disturbance to itself, or deranging the flimsiest growth through which it passed. THE SEA-MONSTERS. 255 Other of these terrible Eeries began now to con- gregate beneath the canoe, taking courage by the example of their cowardly companion, all alike curious about this charming visitant in the upper world. But in whatever number they gathered, it was seen that neither one nor many of their sub- stanceless bodies served to shut out from view any- thing lying beneath them. This shadowy quality of the loathsome Eeries came at length to impress Kupule with the belief that they might be but some shadow-reflections of aerial Spirits above her, hov- ering between the sea and the sun. And yet this could not be. For she saw that the reflections if such they were were wing- less, and flew not. While the monsters were seen to swim with very human-like motions, and with the outlines of what seemed to be very human-like arms and hands ; except that the latter were seen to be strongly taloned with long cat-like claws. Their ghostly faces looked fierce and coarsely masculine ; and seen in the strongest light ap- peared bearded, with large and cruel eyes, and mouths fanged like serpents. As the half-human appearance of these terrible Eeries became better distinguished by the more vertical sunlight, Kupule could not help recoiling with a thrill of horror, oc- casionally receding back into her canoe while she questioned what their purpose might be, in mak- ing themselves thus visible to her. Sitting thus, furtively watching the bodiless creatures, lest she should attract their attention 256 KALANI OP OAHU. too much, and induce them to attack her, Kupnle gradually became aware of feeling an occasional thud of something against the bottom of her ca- noe. Her first thought was that it might be Nani ; but she was lying still as a mouse close alongside, but without touching the canoe even by the occa- sional motion of her large pectoral fin. Was it the Eeries? Great Pele ! the thought sent a cold chill over the maiden, and a feeling of sickening repul- sion crept over her to think of being in their grasp. But when she poised her paddle and was about to fly from the spot, she suddenly became aware that it was a rhythmical vibration beating musi- cally against the bottom of the canoe. Venturing to glance over the side, Kupule saw large bubbles ascending from beneath the great mauve-colored fan-coral directly beneath her, and striking the bot- tom of the canoe. With a quiet stroke of the paddle, the canoe was thrust softly away. Instantly the notes of music she had previously heard burst upon her ear. Bursting into concentric rings and spreading far and wide as they ascended, the bubbles diverged into melodious ripples sweeter than bird-songs. Low and indistinct at first, like the droning hum of far-off bees, but steadily increasing as the musi- cal bubbles grew larger and ascended with greater momentum. Here then was an explanation of the mysterious music Kupule had listened to before. As it in- creased in volume, rising into surprising vole*e, THE PIBROCH OP THE SEA. 257 the melody seemed less to come from the sea than from the sky, as upon the previous day, wheji the Queen * chanced not to be so nearly vertical to its source as to discover its cause. The mystical cadence Kupule now listened to seemed pitched in a different key from that heard on the previous day. It seemed less clear but more vibrant, having less of the sweet, swelling resonance of bell-like music. It was more like the low murmuring notes of an .^Eolean just touched by the summer breeze, when made slightly tremu- lous by the fluttering media of multitudinous leaves. The charm of the music had entirely attracted Kupule's attention away from the frightful Eeries, from whom she was about to flee. When at leugth she came to look for them, they were gone. But not so the dread they had impressed upon her, for every thought of the loathsome creatures im- parted a chill to the maiden. And Nani had also discovered their absence, for the crimson beauty had quietly taken her position directly under the canoe. While the eager eyes of the Queen were fast- ened intently upon the spot whence came the musical bubbles, strange and hideous shapes were indistinctly seen flitting about the coral glades. Was it the pibroch of the terrible sea-clans she * The melody we seek to describe is similar to that of the " Singing Shells " heard in the sea at Battiealoa, of which there are several species, the principal of which are the Littorina lavis and the Cesithium palustre. 17 258 KALANI OF OAHU. v heard marshalling their sea-folk to war, perhaps upon, herself ? The roused and awe-stricken maiden was watching to see. At length the slow, cautious movement of a graceful swimmer attracted Kupule's attention. She saw but the slightest undulatory motion of the long sea-grasses at first, then the wave-motion of a swimmer against the calcareous leaves ; but being an amphibious maiden herself she knew their import. With shaded eyes and quickening breath the excited girl bent low down over the water, and there, indeed, between the great fan-coral and the crimson tree could be distinctly seen the small shapely head and bust and pliant arms of a verita- ble Mermaid. One of the fairest of God's handi- work among all the wonders of the sea. The gentle, human-looking Sea-girl was now seen floating slowly and timidly upward, from a deep sandy reach to the north of the Pinna-coral tree. The pretty grotto under the great mauve- colored coral was her home, surrounded by the rarest beauties in this most charming quarter of the Pearl Garden. It was the beautiful Sea-Queen of Oahu, that Kupule had discovered by her patient search. This was made evident on the instant of her ap- pearing ; for Nani darted away from the canoe at once, and with one swift plunge placed herself beside Oluolu, the Mermaid Queen. It was Oluolu' s busy hands that had gathered THE MERMAID QUEEN. 259 so many rare sea-growth about the Five Forks. It was the dainty Sea-queen who had taught the countless thousands of gorgeous fishes to feed un- harmed about her charming grotto, freeing the red dulse from the gnawing sea-bugs which usually de- stroy it ; and foraging upon the ravenous grubs that so love to corrode the delicate meshes of the beautiful fan-coral, that here grew with such thrift above her door. Here the piscatorial tribes found themselves unmolested, partly by Oluolu's protec- tion, but more from the dread tabu, which freed the beautiful fishes from their ever pervading fear of anything wearing human semblance. Well might Kupule long to descend beneath the clear blue tide, and greet the charming Sea-queen of whom the old bard had sung ; there to spy out her grotto, the sea-palace where she made her aqueous home ; gemmed about with every beauty found in all the madreporic sea. Upward and upward floated the little Mer- maid, and louder and clearer grew her sea-song as she rose. Though evidently wishing to approach nearer to the sweet human face bending so ten- derly over her abode, her native timidity forbade her coming beyond the thin, perforated leaves of the fan-coral, under whose drooping fronds she tarried. There beneath its topmost mauve-colored leaves Oluolu lay, with Nani beside her, spying upward through the blue sea to Kupule, and at intervals voicing her little heart in song. Music being the 260 KALANI OF OAHTJ. medium by which she expressed a Sea-girl's long- ings for the sunbright world above: as we on earth may melodize our prayers for sympathy from the dear unseen spirits above our heads. It was with a wild thrill of joy that Kupule had discovered this intelligent creature, when she had almost come to believe that the sea was given wholly up to- hideous and unhallowed forms. And when she became certain that she had discov- ered the Sea-queen, and that her little Nani was friendly with her, her delight was doubled, for she felt that her kinship with the god-world would ac- complish the rest. Kupule now remembered the stories the old bard had told her, of music being sometime heard at noonday, far out on the Mona Kihapai, near the den of Moa-alii the awful god of the sea. And she also remembered his other tales of greater mar- vels still ; relating that often by the midnight moon, when Kulu (full moon) was sitting on the topmost bough of heaven, the song of the Sea-queen grew the loudest. Adding, what had seemed the most unlikely of all, that sometimes it was permitted to the eyes of the great Alii Kapu to behold the singing girl of the sea sitting on the Waikiki shore. But Puaaihi usually terminated his tales or his songs on this subject by something too startling to be believed, exclaiming : " Auwe ! auwe ! Poino, poino ! " Oh ! oh ! Alas, alas ! " Such an event always signifies the death of a king. May it be LURED INTO THE SEA. 261 long before the blind eyes of Puaaihi may see a singing sea-girl upon the shore of Waikiki ! " Though Kupule well knew that the priests and the bard were given to relating strange stories, in their endeavor to arouse the superstitions of the Kanakas of low degree, and that the higher chiefs were not expected to give full credence to all their wonders, related for special purposes ; yet here was a complete verification of one of the most doubtful legends sung by the white-haired old minstrel. Soft and sweet continued the occasional mag- netic strain of Oluolu's song, so like the alluring melody of human heart-beats, when tenderly elic- ited by the gentle impulse of love, that Kupule could not but respond in kind, singing some of her own wild Hawaiian airs. The effect of the Sea-queen's music upon Kupule was what all ocean travellers have found it ; for it grew to act with a degree of fascination upon her, that was fast luring her into the blue bewitch- ing depths below. She became so charmed at length, that it required constant restraint to keep herself from dropping swiftly down to Oluolu, to embrace her little sister of the sea. How strange it is that underlying every note of a Mermaid's song is a sad and solemn under- current of sorrow. Though Oluolu's melodies sometimes rose into exquisite interpretations of a Mermaid's joys, yet they, too, oftenest dropped into a sad adagio of unutterable longings ; almost wail- 262 KALANI OP OAHU. ing for a companion from the bright upper world, to love and abide with her forever. Here was an instance of the same exquisite sense of fascination which one interprets when listening to a wild bird's singing ; when being together with them in the deep gloom of a primeval forest. Watch a little songster hop nearer and nearer to you, between the frequent interludes of his song, until at length he sits confidingly at your hand, peering trustingly into your eyes eyes made sympathetic by his singing appealing with a subdued twitter of long-drawn, entreating notes, charming us, in spite of ourselves, from the too human predilection to kill. Just as plainly was the tender solicitude of the little Mermaid addressed to the sympathies of Kupule. Oluolu pleaded for her companionship, until at length the fascination of her alluring songs, together with the magnetic charms of the pretty Sea-queen, ended with Kupule's laying aside her paddle, and casting off her pan, (skirt of pendulous leaves,) dropping like a plummet from the leadsman's hand over the side of her canoe, Kupule swam with outstretched arms to greet her little sister of the sea. It is well known that the Hawaiian maidens are as much at home as the fishes, in the sea ; being about the most expert divers in the world ; so that Kupule's act of going to the Mermaid beneath the water was done under as free an impulse as she would have gone to her upon the shore. THREE TYPICAL AFFINITIES. 263 Swift as a fish-hawk from the summer sky, Kupule dived down through the intervening fath- oms of clear blue brine. She descended until she could cling like a swaying bird on the topmost boughs of the red coral tree. There in the current she planted her small red feet upon the redder branches of the kingliest growth in all the ocean forest, at once seeking to entice the Mermaid- queen out from under her leafy covert, beneath the bending fronds of the fan-coral, where she peered out upon the new-comer as shyly as a timid child from among the homestead vines. The Queen's abrupt descent scattered the count- less gold fish from about her meteoric path ; start- ling the red parrot bills and the green macaws, till they flashed away like glowing aerolites in the evening sky ; the fishes, as well as their pretty queen, amazed at this new acquisition from the divine regions of the sunlit air. Judging, also, from the swift hurrying away of dim, dark objects, from beneath her, as she dived, hugely formed creatures who swayed the calcareous grasses, and tossed the plumous sea-flowers rudely away as they ran, Kupule's unannounced descent was making a profound impression everywhere in this elysian habitat of the Eeries, and among the ghostly sea-Gnomes perched among the etiolate branches below. Even the eager and expectant Mermaid, though evidently prompted to an ardent friendliness by the little Nani, shrank timidly away at Kupule's 264 KALANI OF OAHU. first approach, amazed at the swift descent of the nimble swimmer, and perhaps appalled at the sud- den and unexpected consummation of her wishes for companionship, as a human soul would be who had called an angel down. But the enticing face and alluring arms of Kupule instantly reassured the Sea-queen, who soon ventured timidly up, face to face with her winsome sister of the upper air. But not until little Nani had transposed herself from the crimson Anuenue into the charming Elf-queen of the Sacred Fountain, and swam boldly out from under the long fronds of the fan-coral, and taken her stand beside Kupule, did Oluolu gain courage to assume her former position again. What a meeting was this ! A consorting of the three typical affinities of Earth, Air, and Ocean. The tiny Sea-girl was but a darker miniature of her larger companion. The hair and eyes of the representative maidens of earth and ocean were black as midnight, though Kupule's hair was softer and more abundant, floating out over her bare shoulders like two raven wings half spread for flight. This meeting of the three Queens was not un- like that of other stranger maidens, meeting by chance upon the terrestrial sphere. Their faces expressed mutual attraction and honest admira- tion of each other; and the fact of their being queens of three elements made them abounding in curiosity, as other wahines might be from different countries. GATHERING MONSTERS. 265 In the shapely busts and bodies of the three, they were not unlike, except in size ; tiny little Nani not being even a quarter the size of Oluolu. But here the similarity ended between the two larger queens, for in place of Kupule's plump and taper limbs, and dainty feet, only a little less rosy than the red coral whereon she stood, the Mermaid's ta- pering extremity was similar to that of a porpoise, ending in pliant and graceful flukes, with which she could swim at great speed. But the graceful flukes of Oluolu were amazingly handy in their briny element, for many other pur- poses than swimming. For while the fairy-like Nani, in girlish mimicry of Kupule's majestic poise, stood with her tiny bare feet, tottling upon the rough foliage of the crimson coral, the Sea Queen, with her broad and bending flukes, stood with greater freedom upon even the delicate fronds of the swaying fan-coral, without harming its exqui- site arabesque in the least. And while both the others required their hands to support them in the flowing current, the affectionate Mermaid used hers to stroke the glistening backs of the several gold fishes and purple mullet, who fondly sought companionship with their loved Queen during this audience of consorting sovereigns. Kupule's observations soon began to be with- drawn from her companions. She had not been the least disturbed by the quick gathering of countless fishes, representing more colors than all the coral or sea-flowers about her, even though 266 KALANI OP OAHU. the finny creatures came spying about in such close proximity, venturing even to nibble, not only at her long elf-locks floating on the swaying tide, but also tasting daintily of the soft warm flesh of various unprotected parts, made prominent by her standing, clinging upon the arboreous foliage. But the matter grew more serious when the very sunshine began to be darkened by the omi- nous gathering of many brutal-faced Eeries above, between Kupule and her canoe ; rallying as if in fear for the safety of their loved Sea-queen. While from every caverned lair other monsters had stolen suddenly out, together with numerous strange and ghostly sea-Gnomes, who now thrust their uncouth visages between the coral branches and among the waving dulse leaves everywhere about their Mermaid-queen. But, worst of all, the very waters began now to quiver and quake, vibrating with angry mutterings ; the rising wrath of unseen monsters who bellowed like maddened bulls at the current report of danger threatening their much-loved Queen. At this juncture the two minutes of time usu- ally allotted a diver for submergence had about passed. But Kupule had remained long enough to win the love and confidence of the Mermaid- queen, by exchange of pantomimic courtesies, and had been contemplating the necessity of going air- ward for breath ; when suddenly she discovered the ominous gathering of the monster habitans of the sea. And when to this sight of terror was ELUDING THE MONSTERS. 267 added the hoarse rumbling caused by the swift approach of some other gigantic creature of the nether world, then, indeed, Kupule realized her peril. Terror now took the place of smiles on the face of the Sea-queen, and with a forward movement of her flukes, and a swift back-stroke with her pretty hands, she shrank back beneath the fan- coral, with an expression of distress for the safety of her queenly guest. Waving her little hands impetuously, Oluolu pointed upward for Kupule to begone ! Nani, beside herself with fear, had already changed her fairy figure into the Anuenue again, and was now nestling close to Kupule, sheltering under the floating tresses of her dark hair. Thus aroused, the heroic Queen took in the perilous situation at once. Catching the meaning of the Mermaid's warn- ing, and little Nani's terror, with the strong im- pulse of an agile swimmer Kupule spurned the crimson coral from beneath her feet, and sprang swiftly upward toward the surface ; while Oluolu, seeing her guest had gone, turned and shot like an arrow down into the sunlit gloom, between the coral shrubbery, to her grotto of rainbow sheen. Glad was Kupule to see the great man-faced Series make way for her coming, as she rose ; though it was only as a cowardly dog retreats to the rear, intent on renewing his warfare ; for as she passed them like a meteor, they sprang furi- 268 KALANI OF OAHU. ously back upon her, snapping with their fanged jaws at the long black shadow of the up-shooting maiden, with an unpleasant clang of their enhun- gered maws. Her face being turned seaward as she rose, look- ing out toward Moa-alii's Den as she neared the surface, the brave Queen was horrified at sight of a queen-eyed monster of hideous mien. Approach- ing furiously, with gnashing teeth and gloating eyes, the gigantic creature seemed maddened with intent to devour this bold intruder into his watery domain. But, luckily, there was not a fleeter swimmer in all the " Eight Seas " than Kupule of Oahu. And with the utmost rapidity she now approached the small black shadow she took to be her canoe. Remembering the old bard's story of Una and the lion, for all the most wonderful legends of antiquity are familiar to the indigenes of Polyne- sia, Kupule kept her brave eyes fixed intently upon the approaching demon, for the brief time it took her to leap to the surface, and spring like an agile leopard into her canoe ; the same bound tak- ing the Anuenue in by her side. Seizing her paddle with frenzied hands, Kupule plied her blade, heading swiftly for the shore ; eagerly as an escaping sea-bird swerves from the downward swoop of a hungry eagle, the brave Queen plied her paddle for the land. With a wild leap of demoniacal fury, the swift pursuing monster breached out from the foamy PURSUED BY MOA-ALTI. 269 water, at the very spot where the nimble maiden had disappeared within her canoe. But neither canoe nor maiden were there. And Moa-alii had tossed the blue ocean into an avalanche of foam all too late, in the mad fury of his pursuit. Biting savagely at the shadows of the low-soar- ing sea-birds as they silhouette upon the water about him, Moa-alii tore on in mad pursuit of the retreating canoe ; rolling his angry green eyes like flaming fireballs as he ran. Before Kupule could reach the Waikiki shore, he was upon her. Rang- ing up alongside of the canoe, the fierce sea-god showed intent of upsetting the frail boat and de- vouring its contents. But the royal creature within that canoe was a Wahine Moil a Tabu Alii! as the great green-eyed monster soon discovered, when he rolled savagely up to the surface to inspect his prey. Or was it little Nani, who now sat by the side of Kupule in her new role of the Elf-queen, who thus informed the enraged Moa-alii, and shamed him from his pursuit ? Instantly the whole demeanor of the awful sea- god changed. He put off his ferocity with the nimble alacrity of a trained courtier, becoming the mildest-mannered monster that ever fed upon hu- man manes ! With the true gallantry of a veritable Sea-god a most courteous Neptune of the sea Moa-alii escorted the tabued Queen and her canoe as near to the shore as he could swim, without grounding 270 KALANI OP OAHU. his huge carcass upon the coral rock ; and then, with a look of almost human admiration, turned, and shot with unbecoming swiftness implying shame of his transaction back to his caverned lair under the reef-bed. Though the danger from which Kupule had just escaped roused her heroic heart with an intense emo- tion, something akin to the human fear of any other maiden, yet now the sense of danger was passed, there arose in its stead a sudden leap of human ex- ultation, only known to the successful warrior in his hour of triumph. An element of new beauty possessed the queen in that moment, as proud lip and flashing eyes kindled into a semblance of god- head when she remembered that even this ferocious sea-monster had been cowed by his intuitive per- ception of her pre-natal affinity with the immortals. When the peril of the moment was passed, either from Moa-alii or other monsters of the deep, Kupule slowed down her paddling, and headed farther on up the shore in search of a little brook- bed into which to draw her canoe. Still nestling by her side sat the little Elf-queen, whom Kupule stooped to kiss as they sped along the shore ; con- templating a charming time together after landing. And the golden-haired Nani seemed delighted with every attention bestowed upon her by her loved companion. Shooting her little craft into the creek, where it would be secure from wind and wave, Kupule laid aside her paddle, and turned to bestow her atten- NAtfl BECOMES INVISIBLE. 271 tion upon the little Queen of the Fairies ; but lo, she was gone! With a look of sorrow Kupule's eyes sought her everywhere. She remembered to have just felt an affectionate purring upon her cheek, as she stooped to fasten her canoe, like that of a very young kitten ; when, turning to answer Nam's fondlings in kind, she was gone. Only a swift-flitting shadow could be seen hur- rying away over the grass tops, and just bending the flowers as it passed ; speeding away in the di- rection of Nuuanu; such a small, fleeing shadow as is made by a passing bird in the air. But there was no bird in the sky to cause it ; and it could be none other than the invisible Elf-queen flitting away from flower to flower like butterfly or bee on her way to the Kiowai o Pele. With a look of real sadness portrayed upon her flushed young face, Kupule donned her tapa robe, and adjusted her pan skirt of leaves and quietly took her way to the palace. Her disap- pointment at thus losing Nani could not be got rid of ; and if a bird swayed a shrub as she passed, or a bee bended a honeysuckle from its poise, Kupule was stirred with a momentary hope that it might be her little Elf-queen returning. But she arrived at the palace without learning anything more of the fairy. After hearing something of the day's adventure from her maidens, the Queen dispersed them all, and sent for the High Priest for the purpose of consultation. When Paao arrived, and heard the 272 KALANI OF OAHU. Queen's experience, he at once showed great dis- may. He agreed with Kupule, that Moa-alii's ap- pearing to her in such a manner boded no good to the nation. It was Paao's belief that some great King of the Islands was about to die. And both Priest and Queen feared it might be their own no- ble Kalani, who was being hard pressed in his wars to windward. It was agreed to withhold the knowledge of this warning not only from the people, but the King ; who was now daily expected, returning with a shat- tered army and in broken spirits, because of his many defeats. He must soon return to his last stronghold, and prepare to fight his last battle. It would require superhuman efforts to rally another army, and prepare for a final defence of his kingdom against the victorious Kamehameha. Paao also advised the Queen to remove her house- hold to the Waikiki palace, there to await the coin- ing of the King, and where she could be near the Heiau during the coming days of sacrifice to Moa- alii, interceding with the god to protect the home- bound fleet when they came from Maui. CHAPTER XV. OH, Queen of the deep ! Come forth from thy grotto ; Almost do I weep As I sit by the deep, Because thou comest not oh, Comest not from thy grotto. The moon on the sea Lures thee forth from the water; And I'm waiting for thee By the murmuring sea, Oh, sea-god's pretty daughter ! Waiting here by the water. Awake from thy cave, Pretty Queen of the Ocean! Hasten forth from the wave From thy madrepore cave Ere awakens the motion Of thy turbulent Ocean. AAO began at once to secretly prepare for a human sacrifice to propitiate Moa- alii. Publicly gathering numerous hogs and dogs, and ordering out several fisher- men for an early morning catch ; while himself and other Alii kapus consorted in the Heiau, to doom a few Kanakas so as to impart a true value to the oblation to follow. Yet, it must be con- 18 273 274 KALANI OF OAHU. fessed, these priestly shepherds of the flock evinced a nice consideration in dooming only those too old for future fighting purposes. Even the most exemplary Alii kapu ever exerts scrupulous care in this frequent matter of thinning out his lambs for slaughter. Ever guarding the thrifty and the noble-born with the most judicious consideration, upon the usual secular principle of giving to those who have in abundance, and unto those who have not, demanding a gift even the gift of life ; a priestly weakness frequently known in other lands, when discriminating in parochial affairs. The mind of the Queen was full of her capti- vating interview with the beautiful Sea-queen and little Nani ; and of those terrifying experiences with the unhallowed eeries and the man-eating Moa-alii. Something of the pleasant part of her adventures Kupule related to her wahines, greatly exciting their wonder, and unduly rousing their national superstition. But only the great Tabu Chief and the loved old bard of Manoa ever knew the whole story of their young Queen's encounter with those hideous monsters of the deep. For it was held to be of sacred significance that a kapu Alii was able to discover that which is wholly invisible to the com- mon people. It linked the great chiefs with the gods, in their own esteem as well as in that of the people, and even sanctified them in the eyes of priesthood. A MAN TABU. 275 With the early dawn Kupule went up to the Kiowai for prayer, ever renewing her supplication that Pele would relent in the prophetic doom she had pronounced upon Kalani. Returning, she breakfasted with her young wahine Aliis, and to- gether they made their plans for removing to the Waikiki palace immediately after the expiration of the present religious observances at the Heiau. For in the dark hour preceding dawn the dread kapu kane had been proclaimed by the kapu elele tabu heralds for a period of two days' observance ; and the hush of death now lay like a pall over all the land. Not a soul was visible about their usual occupations on the bay or about the valley. None but the priests and the kapu Aliis were permitted to be abroad. The very hogs were housed lest they should squeal and bring death upon the owner of the puaa. The cocks were hooded that they could not crow, while the fowls were hidden away in calabashes. The mouths of the dogs were tied up, lest the fractious yelp of a cur should cost a hu- man head. So terrible is the gloom caused by a kapu kane, that the very sun is dimmed by a mac- ula ; and the mournful face of nature seems bathed in tears of sorrow because of the sacrifice of her people. In these dread Tabus it is a crime worthy of death to light a fire, bathe in the sea, or to launch a canoe either for fishing or transportation ; and no noise is permitted to either man or beast, lest they come to grief. 276 KALANI OF OAHU. Except the priests and their murderous man- killers who officiate about the temples, and the royal family and other tabu chiefs, all must keep within the shelter of their houses through all the tabu days, whether they be few or many. Should they leave their enclosures for food or drink, it is at the risk of their lives. To infringe any of these rules during the strict- est tabus would displease the gods, break the holy sanctity of the tabu, and be sufficient cause for the death of any person implicated ; the method of death being procured either by priest- craft or sorcery praying to death or otherwise. As Kupule and her two favorite wahines sat to- gether under the tutui trees on the palace hill, there came a sudden wail of anguish from the Honolulu shore. The Queen and Manona sprang up to learn the cause, fearing lest some bad news had been received about the King or from the army. And swift-footed Leleha was sent away to see what it might be. But the outcry, when discovered, was found to be caused by the murderous Pepehi Kanaka of Paao, lassoing a white-haired old native, and dragging the pitiable old man to the shore, where he was strangled and cut in pieces suitable to feed out to Moa-alii and his tribe at the mouth of their den. Other natives had been privately kid- napped during the night and taken to the Heiau, among numerous puaas and ilios, though the hogs and dogs had been taken openly. But this ven- *A VENERABLE VICTIM. 277 erable old grandsire was needed to supply an after conclusion, and was the best that could be had at the time. What had been done with the others might be guessed by the peculiar gray-blue smoke seen ascending from the Heiau ; a never-to-be mistaken indication of human sacrifice, that suf- ficed to blanch the cheek of whomsoever be- held it. The wailing at the foot of Nuuanu came from the aged wife and numerous daughters of the kid- napped peasant. The old man had been a service- able warrior in his day, and had the reputation of being a kind father and good provider for his family. But, per contra, he was old ; his days of public usefulness were over ; thus the discriminat- ing judgment of the High Priest had assigned him the high honor of being sacrificed for his country's good. Under these circumstances the grief of the numerous mourners was expected to be a con- siderate and subdued grief, not too loud, lest it ex- cite animosity against priestcraft, and be deemed sufficient cause to confiscate another tender lamb from the family. In the dread lands of Kapu Kane, the public sympathy is capable of exquisitely delicate ad- justment ; being considerately limited to the near- est connections of the afflicted family. And it is a remarkable phenomenon to those who have ob- served with what nice discrimination the proper line of exact consanguinity may be defined ; for 278 KALANI OF OAHU. when personal peril is involved, the degree of propinquity becomes remote in the exact ratio of the danger apprehended by the wailing relative. Among the people most subject to the edict of priestcraft, whose heads had just escaped confisca- tion, the choice of the tabu priest was defended with animation. He was proclaimed as being the best judge in making choice of subjects for sacri- fice, even though the recent choice did happen to be a very dear friend of their own for had not they been spared for the time ? In the present case, Paao's Pepehi Kanaka had been less secretive than usual ; having openly lassoed the aged peasant in the presence of his family ; though having previously cunningly de- coyed the old man to his door by the imitative squeal of one of his own pigs. A more frequent method of doing these mur- derous deeds by the holy church would have been for the ill-visaged Pepehi Kanaka to secrete him- self; remaining ambushed behind some rock, or bush, or family cluster of banana leaves from whence food must be secretly sought and pounc- ing upon his victim, kill without outcry; while other noble assistants of the priests hid themselves by the frequented path between villages, and from their ambush lured the approaching victim by some piteous outcry of pain. And woe to the de- coyed one woe to whomsoever has sufficient humanity to answer an appeal of anguish at such times, for he is caught by the cunning lariat of the WATCHING FOR THE KING. 279 Pepehi, strangled, and taken to the Heiau, or fed out to the sea-gods from the cliffs. After the recent incident had been discussed, and all became tranquil once more, the royal wahines returned to their previous occupation of packing, preparatory to removing. The sea-shore palace of the kings of Oahu is charmingly located in the midst of the cocoanut grove at Waikiki ; and thither the Queen and her numerous retinue of wahine chiefs, and household servants, removed at the expiration of the tabu days. There they would remain until the King's return, which was now daily expected. Kupule loved best her Nuuanu home, with its \vild cascades and mountain streams; its wooded valleys leading into the cathedral gloom of the primeval forest, where she loved to stray ; above all, the charming orange grove on the sacred hill, where grew the freshest flowers and the greenest grasses about the tabued Kiowai o Pele, where she loved so well to worship the divine Goddess of her land. And yet, because of an ulterior motive in her little heart, she had acquiesced in the wishes of Paao, and now removed to Waikiki, inwardly de- lighted at the thought of being constantly near to her new acquaintance, the pretty Mermaid Queen. Both Puaaihi and Paao had reassured Kupule that moonlight nights were the favorite times for the timid water-girls, and other nameless sea-gods, to sport in the Waikiki surf, and frequent the tabued shore abreast of the great Heiau of Pele. 280 KALANI OP OAHU. Their first day, after the removal to Waikiki, had been a busy one with the Queen and her chief- girls, bathing and fishing, and riding on their papa upon the surf. The afternoon was spent in the misty vale of Manoa, gathering wreaths for the head, and paying a visit to the blind Bard. Later in the day they climbed to the top of Puawai, to scan the eastern sea, looking for the expected fleet and the King. And not until the sun lay low in the west, glinting his fierce rays from the glassy sur- face of the harbor up into their faces, as they lay on the jagged battlement above, did they leave the Punch Bowl for the Waikiki palace, where a supper of bread-fruit and fish, and poi, awaited them. Kupule had moored her own little waa close to the beach in front of th palace, with the intention of keeping up frequent communication with the Queen of the Pearl Garden. From the tiny canoe fluttered a small white puawlu of tapa, which served to tabu the little craft from the approach of any one. After the swift tropic night had shut down over Oahu's mountain Isle, and a hush had gathered about the sylvan homes at Waikiki, the Queen and her girl-chiefs clustered about under the great palms standing nearest the moonlit shore, there to receive the numerous evening callers. Aged chiefs came to inquire about the last news from the army, and proffer advice arising out of their long experience in affairs of war and state. The TALES BY THE BARD. 281 wives of great warriors came to glean some hope about their absent braves, and some of them were imprudent enough to express belief that Oahu's prestige in war was dimmed. During the evening, Paao, the grand and courtly Priest, dropped in upon them, to communicate a few ominous prophecies to the Queen, which he had derived from the gods, concerning the absent army ; after which the Priest returned to his habi- tation in the walled precinct of the sacred Heiau, to enter into other yet more profound divinations for the public weal, and perhaps to indulge in a rich repast upon the poi-fatted dog fed from the mouths of women, and baked in the ground ovens the baked bread-fruit and the luscious poi, made from the nutritious taro root the arum esculen- tum. The tables of the tabu priests being usually furnished sumptuously by the obsequious people that class whose precarious lives depended upon the will of the priests in the all too frequent days of Kapu Kane. And dare we whisper it of an exalted member of such holy order, even at this remote period of time and geographical distance, probably Paao would end the night in slaughtering some trem- bling victim, who had just replenished his Highness* larder with roasted pig, or a munificent calabash of poi, both prepared with a trembling hand and heart of prayer, because of some sinister glance bestowed by the haughty priest upon the lowly peasant. At length the old minstrel was sent for, to re- 282 KALANI OF OAHU. gale the Queen with sweet music from his black bamboo flute. And after a while Puaaihi ended his evening entertainment by relating some of his own strange experience with the terrible sea-mon- sters of the adjacent bay ; ending with a fascinat- ing recital of his numerous personal interviews with the singing mermaids of the Waikiki shore. Beautiful sea-girls ! allured from their coral grot- toes and enchanting caves by the charms of his music on flute or harp, when discoursed from the beach, or his lone canoe out upon the moonlit bay. To all but Kupule these tales of the singing sea- girls were too marvellous for belief. But there was a charm in listening to the old poet's recital of their beauty and their exquisite songs of the sea. Such romantic stories told of weird, mysterious creatures, when related in the wild, dramatic man- ner of the old bard of Manoa valley, might well cause the young chieftess maidens to cluster into close proximity about the rime-haired Puaaihi. His sightless eyes turned upon the moon, as if in admiration of its beauty; his paleface, corrugated with age, contorted by the varied emotions ap- pealed to in his theme ; his deep voice, resonant in many keys as his tones rose and fell, chimed well with the quick recurring boom of the breakers, and the muffled echo answering back from among the palm-trees about them. How alert was every maiden to catch the slight- est accents of the story as it ran ; leaning intently forward as they clung to each other, with supersti- A TROPIC NIGHT. 283 tious fears aroused to the utmost ! They formed a novel group, this score of young chief tesses, so quickened with emotion ; hedged about the white- haired minstrel with awe-stricken faces ; their weird, black eyes flashing with lambent gleams, now scintillant with delight and now lurid with terror ; ever emotioned at the will of the cunning old bard. Sitting thus in the deep shadow of the whisper- ing palms, the wahines were only distinguished by the mystic light of broken moonbeams, filtered down through the long plumy fronds ; their long black hair draped about them helped to mystify the appearance of their dusky figures. Seen thus, they are made to resemble the eleeleuhane sable spirits of the grove, centred about some pro- phetic ghost of the past. As the night advanced, the black shadow of Puawai crept like a thief away from the whisper- ing margin of the sea, where it ever comes during an eastern moon, coming to spy in grim silence upon the white-footed tidal spirits, as they romp and ripple in playful frolic upon the coral sands along the shore. The mist-veil gathered down across the valley of Manoa, as if to exclude all further ingress after the old bard had tottered away to his hermitage, deep within its covert of sandal-wood and flowers. The people of the neighboring hamlets dropped away one by one, straggling into their thatched hales for slumber. While those living in the cocoa 284 KALANI OP OAHTJ. grove either followed their example, or covered themselves with a thin tapa, or lauhala mat, and lay down for the night under the canopy of palms, hushed into dreams by the soothing lullaby among the swaying fronds. When the royal group by the shore had some- what thinned out, leaving only the Queen and her best-loved maidens, Kupule sent her companions to their rest, and herself strayed away along the shore to indulge in that which she most loved a midnight revery by the spirit-peopled solitude of the sea. It was a night when heaven stoops down with a loving nearness over its foster-children, the green earth and the blue sea where they meet in kindly brotherhood upon the lonely shore. A night when the countless invisibles of earth and air which ever seem so far off in the garish light of day approach on viewless wings, hovering so near unto us as to invade our thoughts by their plaintive whisperings, as they stand with vibrant heart-beats and folded pinions by our side. Kulu, the great yellow moon, had filled her horns with glory, imparting a witching sense of enchantment over the wave-rocked ocean, and throughout the flowery fields and fruitful forests of Oahu's mountain Isle. Diamond Head lay basking like a slumbering monarch in the tawny beam, his brawny chest breasting the great breakers like a proud swimmer in a mimic sea. Afar off, in the utmost distance through the WAIKIKI BY MOONLIGHT. 285 skies, shone the gigantic snow-crest on Kea's lord- ly brow, gleaming like a throne of polished silver high up among the golden stars. There sits to- night a crowned Theophany upon Kea's moon- touched throne ; transmuting the orbal harmonies to man's requirements, and dispensing all things in the spiritual need of life with an affluent hand. How yon Spirit King is crowned we know not, for his head is high above the stars, only there glints a diffusive stream of rosy rays from off his glitter- ing crown unseen, though it be transmitted to wave and waterfall ; to tiny brook and roaring river ; laving the whole illumined hemisphere in Luna-loveliness. The heart of Kupule was afar off with her ab- sent King, as she strolled the lonely beach on this night of beauty. Wandering over the shining sands, she lived over again some of the fond en- dearments of her wedded love ; now made doubly dear by the terrible maranatha of Pele, the ulti- mate of whose prophecy was fast drawing nigh. In sadness almost akin to sorrow the young Queen trod the impervious sand lying between the grove and the sea, until at length she ap- proached the guiding pandanas, whose range-line denoted the direction of the Mermaid's haunt in the Pearl Garden, and the ever to be dreaded vicinage of Moa-alii's Den. But with a brave attempt Kupule withdrew her meditations from the fateful future awaiting her loved one, and flung aside with a touch of imperi- 286 KALANI OF OAHU. ous will all thought of the anomalous creatures of the deep, and proffered her undivided attention to the witching beauties of the night. In soft tranquillity lay the waveless waters of Waikiki Bay, mirrored at her feet, as she strolled along the shore. Beyond the bay rose the vast breastwork of coral reefs, encircling the harbor like the ponderous arm of some monster of the deep. Against these reefs roll the long lines of gigantic breakers heaped up billows of furious waters crested with playful foam, now gleaming like molten gold in the meridian-moon. How roars this great surf on such a night of silent sheen and slumbering beauty ! How echoes the whispering palm grove and the wooded valleys with its monstrous tumult, answering back to the sea in the hoarse murmur of ghostly voices from out the sylvan shades. Even the far mountains, sombre and silent in the windless air, fling down their surly answer to the bellowing sea ; while such is the concussion of the breakers against the trees, that the long, drooping palm-leaves are made tremulous and murmurous, quaking as with fear of the muffled thunder of the sea. Coming to the end of the cocoanut trees, Ku- pule now entered upon the dread Wahi Kapu the sacred place in front of the great Heiau, where no mortal but the Alii Kapus dare intrude upon her solitude. Here she seated herself reverently by the tremulous rim of the tidal sea. Sitting upon the silvery sand so close to the shimmering KUPULE invoking the hidden mysteries of the Sea. (Page, 287.) NESTLING BY THE SEA. 287 waters that she dipped her dainty feet into the slumbering tide, while she pleaded to Pele to watch over her warrior King. In her hours of sadness how closely the young Queen nestled down upon the sand, lying very near unto the throbbing bosom of the great Ocean. Kneeling thus by the murmuring sea, with clasped hands and outstretched arms, Kupule invoked yet one more of its hidden nvysteries to quench the human craving in her saddened soul. How attentive was her listening ear to the ghostly whisperings of the palm-fronds above her head ; and to the rhythmic pulse-beats of the sea, where the countless footsteps of the playmate-tide come pattering up the shore to greet her ! Watch- ing long and wonderingly into the blue, translu- cent waters at her feet, Kupule at times extended her gaze out over the moon-touched surface, with an eager quest not limited by distance or the mere scope of human vision. Who has not thus ques- tioned some of the passive imports of the slumber- ing Ocean, when so rocked to its centre by the subtile moonbeam ? Watching for its meaning, and hearkening for its mysteries, which are as countless as the stars ; but, alas ! how few out- spoken messages are ever given back in response to our quests ! Receiving no answer to her appeals, either ocu- lar or auricular, all unconsciously Kupule came to thinking almost wholly of her recent experience with the Mermaid Queen. At first it obtruded 288 KALANI OF OAHU. itself with unwelcomed frequency into her anxious thoughts about Kalani ; weaving itself into the sombre visions of her wifely revery, with the in- trusive insistence of moonbeams, raying the blue waters with their harpstrings of gold. But, hark ! what has so suddenly possessed our brooding Queen ? As if her own eager thoughts had given birth to the inmost wish of her soul, there come fluttering across the glassy bay a few prelusive notes of the little Sea-girl's song. Ku- pule sprang up, with thought to see the Mermaid on the water close at hand ; so clear was the tim- bre of her alluring voice, and so seemingly near was the soft pianissimo that fluttered on tremulous vibrates of melody to the shore. But not an ob- ject could be discovered over all the moon-gold sheen of the slumbering bay. Crouching down again close upon the coral sand, where it touched the polished mirror of the sea, Kupule hushed her own heart-beat, and listened with awakened soul to the pulsating throbs of the great heart of Ocean ; laying her flushed young cheek against his tidal bosom, listening, as saintly ears in all ages have leaned heavenward, hoping to entice the angel voices down. Soon the weird song-notes rose softly over the resonant waters again, dwelling in Kupule's ear with a fascination that chained her to the spot. Coming low and soft at first, the rhythmic cadence soon rose distinct and clear as the purest utterance of a minstrel's flute. Sometimes the music ap- THE MERMAID'S SINGING. 289 peared to come from the water, and sometimes to be wafted earthward from the upper air. Though the little singer still remained unseen, yet the vol- ume of her melody increased with an ever-growing sense of nearness that was startling indeed to an awe-thrilled listener, because of the continued in- visibility of the singer. Such exquisite strains of music, when heard at midnight on the lonely shore, accompanied by the surly tumult of the surf, and the answering echoes from the grove, were like the enchanting melodies one may abstract from the bewildering mazes of a great master's score. With an ear less attuned to the most delicate perceptions of. melody, such a hidden cadence com- ing from an unknown source, when heard amidst the wild crescendo of the breakers, might have seemed but the distant hum of a droning bee. But Kupule was so linked from birth with the unseen powers of earth and air, that it was ever the underlying sights and sounds of hidden nature that most captivated her soul. And when lying as now nestled by the hushed waters of the slumbering sea, a mystic chord was touched in her untutored mind until she finds companionship in the prattling tides and the mur- muring Ocean, and receives its imprint as a loving child receives the assuring kiss of the mother. Nearly a half hour had passed since the last song-notes of the Mermaid were heard. Kupule had tired of peering so eagerly into the sea, and 19 290 KALANI OF OAHtJ. had dropped into a trance-like revery ; looking with appealing eyes up into the face of Kulu, ad- dressing herself to the reflected face of Pele, ever visible in the full-orbed moon. As the moon had passed the meridian, and was now reining her am- ber chariot down the west, the Queen was contem- plating returning to the palace, as post-meridian is deemed too late to call up the unseen, or to allure the sea-gods to land. As she was about to rise from the beach, her attention was directed to a dim, dark object seen swimming along the bottom, and approaching stealthily where she sat. Owing to the strong Luna-light upon the sea, dark objects, when seen on the white bottom of coral sand,- were unduly magnified by refraction, and drawn out to an inter- minable length. This delusive light imparted to the approaching creature a meandrous motion, giv- ing rise to a serpent-like appearance that was start- ling to behold. Kupule sprang up with a bound, ready for flight if attack was intended. But once upon her feet, the swimming creature took on another appear- ance. Seeming now verily like a young girl sport- ing on the sandy bottom perhaps one of her own wahines swimming timidly up from the deep sea toward the beach where stood the Queen; present- ing a sweet face, upturned appealingly to Kupule's. What was her delight to find it was Oluolu, the Mermaid. Her long black hair acquired its wav- ing motion by the act of swimming ; shining like THE MERMAID'S APPROACH. 291 glistening scales in the gold-beam of moonlight. Not having quite the courage to swim directly in to the shore, the little Sea-queen swam back and forth along the bottom, with her sweet, entreating face turned to Kupule's ; as a bird ma} 7 approach timidly and circuitously to attract our attention ere it alights for companionship. The Mermaid had evidently been cognizant of the Queen's presence during the singing, and was now purposely approaching Kupule to gaze once more upon her human beauty. As Kupule sat down again at the very verge of the sea, and extended her arms down to the timid creature, the pretty Sea-girl rose at once to the surface ; staring with her large and wondering eyes, she swam hesitatingly a little nearer to the shore, where she stopped in doubt about approaching nearer. With outstretched hands, and low, sweet-voiced entreaty, Kupule succeeded in coaxing the timid water-girl slowly to the shore. Little by little the graceful creature crept up the steep beach, until only her flukes and a portion of her small lay in the azure sea ; looking, with every pause she made, with such heart-touching entreaty into the face of her sister Queen, as if with a latent fear of being harmed. Uttering a plaintive cry of childish delight, Oluolu twined her pretty arms about Kupule's neck, and nestled confidingly upon her bosom. The round, girlish face of the Sea-girl beaming 292 KALANI OF OAHTJ. with a mingled expression of affection and admi- ration for her earth-born sister Queen. This meeting between such remote types of life was as though a human maiden had climbed to a mountain top and allured a loving angel down. So startled and alarmed, amidst her wonder- ing admiration, was the timid Mermaid ; while Kupule stroked her glossy hair and patted her chubb}' cheeks ; endeavoring to win the sweet amphibious creature from her apprehensions, aris- ing out of her novel situation and companionship. With the keen intuition of all womanly natures, Kupule sang to the trembling Mermaid a low, sweet lullaby ; endeavoring to induce Oluolu to sing in return, by the example she set for her ; as well as to reassure her of safety, and the real love she bore to her. How the tender eyes of the little Sea-queen softened with quickened affection, as she listened with her heart in her eyes. While an almost human smile crept into her small red lips and nut-brown cheeks, her mouth opening suffi- ciently to show the pearly whiteness of her small, sharp teeth. Sitting thus upon the shore, with the midnight moon shining upon their faces, their fond arms twining about each other with the ardent zest that ever enhances a new affection acquired in the tender days of girlhood, Kupule warbled her plaintive song with her utmost sweetness, while Oluolu clung to her, questioning with her large dreamy eyes, alert and intuitive to catch the every KUPULE'S SONG. 293 import of the tone of the song and the look of the singer. SONG. I heard a Mermaid singing ! Her voice was sad and sweet ; Like silver bells a-ringing, When wedded lovers meet. The moon was on the water, The winds were hushed to sleep; I heard old Ocean's daughter, Whose home is in the deep. Now hark ! I hear her coming ; Oh, would that we might meet ! Alas ! 'twas th' ripples drumming, Young Tides, with snow-white feet. As Kupule's cradle-song died gently away, and the white silence and tawny moonlight together laid their ghostly hands upon the two hushed maidens, nestled there by the shimmering sea, Oluolu showed she had caught the intention of her companion ; beginning at once to sing one of her own elfish songs in reply. Then it became Kupule's turn to look and wonder, at the tender- ness and sweetness of the Mermaid's strains, as she sat and contemplated her unearthly com- panionship with this charming little Elf-girl of the Ocean. The clear, soft notes of Oluolu's song were as thrilling and melodious as those of the white sing- ing-mice of India ; which, when well trained, vie with a Hartz-mountain canary in volume and vole'e. Though her singing rose at times into a resonance 294 KALANI OP OAHU. as vibrant as bell-music, rivalling the ecstasy of a lark in his matin song ; yet oftenest sinking into low pianissimo, similar in key to the notes of the singing-shells of Batticaloa. As near as human ear can translate, this is her song. THE MERMAID'S SONG. Come under the sea, Pretty Queen, to me, Where the pearls and sea-shells grow j I've seen thee afloat In thy pretty boat, And so longed to lure thee below. Come down to my grot 'Tis a pretty spot Where the wealth of Ocean lies ! Where gems, and bright gold, Lie in heaps untold, And rare corals greet thine eyes. We'll gather the beams Of the sun in gleams, And we'll wreathe his gold in our hair ; Deep under the waves We'll search in my caves, For the wonders treasured there. While the Sea-queen was singing, so intent was she upon her song, that assurance soon took the place of previous timidity, and she sat upon the sand confidingly by Kupule's side, with her long, tapering extremity lying just dipped down into the sea, swaying to and fro in the water in time with her song ; but as she warmed to her work, she drew up her pliant fluke, and coiled it in a half circle about her upon the sand. SHIFTING SHADOWS. 295 Clinging to the small, soft hand of the Queen, Oluolu kept her large dark eyes fixed ever upon her companion's, as if eager to note the impression she was making with her song ; and Kupule took care to respond in a manner to reassure her little friend as best she could. She now observed that the charming Sea-girl could sit as erect upon the sand as her human sister. And could also stand upon her pliant tail until she reached up to the waist of Kupule, who, being larger, had to stoop to receive Oluolu's clinging arms about her neck ; for she had soon learned not only to acquiesce in the fond kisses of Kupule, but also to proffer her own timid osculation as something more than a mere symbol of girlish friendship between them. While these two special types of the sister ele- ments sat thus hand in hand, singing by the sea, the full-orbed moon had dipped down toward her western bourn, putting a new face upon the west- ern aspect of mountain crag and forest gloom, hav- ing now compelled the boding shadows of midnight to seek out some new retreat. So enthused had the young Queen become with the unearthly companionship she had found, that the changing hours and aspecls of the night passed all unnoticed by her. Where a deep gloom had lain upon the western grove when she came to the shore, all was now robed in the priceless sheen of a tropic night, and a shimmering ray of silver was seen glinting down the long fronds of the tremu- lous palms above her. 296 KALANI OP OAHU. Thus had the beetling shadow of Puawai been chased away by Luna ; and in place of the black crag, rising from out the plain like a frowning warrior holding his shadow-shield over the town, there now lay a slumbering mountain, basking with bowed head in the moon-sheen ; as lies a brin- dled lion with half-shut eyes, drowsing in Afrie's burning sun. The interview between the maidens had been full of intensest interest to both. They had inter- changed songs and salutatory greetings by oscula- tion, a new, sweet mystery easily acquired by Oluolu, and indulged in abundant pantomimic prattle, and expressed admiration of each other by the orbal medium of their dark eyes. Meeting thus upon the verge of unknown elements of existence, they were a mystery and a revelation to each other ; and no wonder that Kupule's gentle heart at length grew full of superstitious fears, lest Moa-alii, or other of the fierce sea-monsters, should come in search of their little Queen of the Sea. As if her intuitive thoughts had given birth to her conceptions, there indeed were a gathering of dark objects now seen prowling about the bottom of the adjacent sea; dim, half-defined monsters, who curdle one's blood by the smallest glimpses of themselves, or their more hideous shadow shapes, when thus seen in the solitude of a mid- night sea. From behind the jutting coral rocks and shrubs there glowered fierce-eyed creatures, and flitted THE GIGANTIC OCTOPUS 1 297 black, unhallowed shapes, watching with furtive glances like ambushed demons, as with concerted intent to snatch the two Queens from shore. At the moment Kupule discovered the gathering, a score of great man-headed Eeries were arraying themselves in a cordon about the maidens ; like an invisible vanguard, only perceptible by their flimsy outline of fish-shape, with the head and arms of monstrous human giants. Not a ray of moonbeam was obstructed from shining through body and arms of the impalpable creatures, who now showed a greater ghostliness than by sunlight. But being upon the land, and that a tabued shore, where it were deemed that neither gods nor men could harm a Kapu Alii, Kupule's courage was equal to the occasion, and she clung fast to Olu- olu whose back was to the sea as if in defiance of all the gathered clans of the nether world. But the end was not yet come ; for there now appeared a gigantic Octopus, large as a whale, rearing up, out in mid-bay, standing on the water upon his half-score of tentacles, until he lifted his hideous body fifty feet into the air. Bellowing louder than the spouting of an angry whale, the vast monster began clawing his way toward the beach where the maidens sat. Here was a foe more terrible than all else in the sea, for he could not only reach sixty feet out upon the shore to snatch his prey, without leaving his native element, but he could also run like a mam- moth spider upon the land, outstripping the fleet- 298 KALANI OP OAHU. est-footed, and devouring a man at a mouthful as he ran. Thus the safety of the Kanakas only lay in the dislike of the savage Devil-fish for the land ; and though he rarely left his element, evidently here was a case which had enraged him to the ut- most, and Kupule's peril was becoming imminent. At that instant, when Kupule began to compre- hend her danger, and was about to rise, there came a soft and kitten-like purring upon her cheek, like that previously made by Nani ere they parted. Turning to look, there indeed was the little Elf- queen tugging at her arm, and pointing, with a look of entreaty, for Kupule to flee from the shore. Kupule's evident uneasiness had communicated itself to the Mermaid queen before the Octopus roared far out in the bay, or little Nani showed herself over Kupule's shoulder. And now, after an anxious glance at the menacing monsters in the sea, and a look of greater apprehension as she be- held the rage of the gigantic Devil-fish, Oluolu twined her plump little arms suddenly about her companion for a moment, looked a last tender fare- well into her eyes, and then plunged like a porpoise down into the shimmering sea, and was gone in an instant. Down went the enraged Octopus, disappearing instantly from view. While the surly rear-guard of unrevenged Eeries prowled angrily about the beach, casting ravenous looks of fury at Kupule as she stood defiantly upon the shore, like one strong in her right of domain. But at length, one by one THE ELF-QUEEN. 299 of the great monsters slunk furtively away, but with many a backward look of lingering rage cast upon the unterrified Queen, as they returned to their ocean lairs. During all this time the tiny little Elf-queen sat trembling upon a banana-leaf near at hand, her sweet little face expressing the utmost anxiety for the safety of her new-found friend, who, because of her just indignation against the intrusion of the sea-gods, would not stir from the shore until every hideous-shaped creature had retreated from her view. But when the last vestige of even the ugly shadow shapes were gone, Kupule stepped to the banana tree and took little Nani tenderly into her arms ; the sweet Elf-girl seeming so rejoiced that no harm had come out of the many-shaped perils ; dangers that Kupule evidently did not fully esti- mate, hence the vivid apprehension of the wise little Elf-queen for her safety. Bearing the charming Fairy in her arms, Kupule took her way along the beach toward the palace. The delighted Queen bestowed many endearments upon her golden-haired pet as she walked, while Nani purred back her pretty responses with equal delight. When approaching quite near to the palace, Manona was discovered through the trees, sitting in the moonlight, anxiously awaiting the return of her much-loved sovereign. Nani at once showed extreme uneasiness at see- ing thepuua hele of the Queen, and expressed many 300 KALANI OF OAHU. a pantomimic wish to depart. But as Kupule looked with earnest appeal into the little violet eyes, entreating for a longer stay, Nani tarried yet a moment more ; but as they passed close to a large Bele pua the bell-shaped Datura Irugman- sia whose delicious fragrance greeted them as they approached it, with a swift fluttering of un- seen pinions, the tiny Elf-queen was gone ; escap- ing in spite of Kupule's firm effort to retain her. Only the swinging motion of the Bele pua, as it swayed bell-like to and fro in the moonlit air, dis- closed the possible retreat of the Fairy mite, who was nowhere to be seen, though Kupule searched with a grieved heart everywhere within the ken of her eye. From that moment this weird-leafed biennial and its trumpet-shaped flowers were tabued forever forbidden to the touch of mortal under penalty of death. Many a night thereafter, during her sad, brief reign, Kupule and little Nani met in the moonlit coco-grove, by the aromatic cluster of Bele pua, together with many another of the charming com- panions of the Fairy-queen ; a trysting-.place that is held sacred as a Mecca shrine to this day. There the whole Elfin world met, seemingly in such sweet sympathy because of the sad fate impending over Kupule, which only their immortal eyes could see with a positive visibility. There they would gather about the beautiful young Queen, each eager to assert their friendliness, singing their witching chorus of Elfin songs, than which nothing in lyric MEETING OF THE IMMORTALS. 301 melody can be so charming to the few the very few human souls gifted to interpret them. Sometimes they would all meet on the tabued shore in front of the Heiau, where Oluolu and her sister Mermaids would join them ; when even the tawny moon and the pensive stars would come hovering down very near above, their orbal souls kindling into ecstasy in metrical accord with these nightly songs by the sea. What an insight into supernatural life was lost with Kupule, for only the blind old Bard survived to tell the little we know of the many interesting meetings between the winsome Mermaids and the tiny Elfin immortals on the Waikiki shore. WHEN Pele's priests a Tabu make, The throes of earth fill man with fear ; For all the gods a part must take, And heaven and earth are made to quake ! And awful groans invade the sphere : The tallest mountains rend apart, From crest of snow to hellish heart ! * Unmask their demon monsters there, And lay their seething lavas bare ! When blood is sought for Pele's fane, The nearest victims sudden bleed; Then vain is flight to plead is vain Enough there are to do the deed, Who stay to count nor cost nor pain. But kingly Lono less will suit ; This gentle god accepts your fruit : And who cannot the fruits bestow May launch their boats and fishing go. Moa-alii's wrath is not in vain : Vast oscillations seize the main ; The bellow'ng winds escape their caves, And billows rise to mountain waves ! Ah! who would Pele's Kapu dare? Meteoric tempests fill the air, And god Ahea invades the sky; Hurls down his iron-stone from high, Till awful tumult reigneth there ! * The writer lias seen a mountain on Maui that had been thus rent by volcanic action, torn from top to base into three unequal parts. -*-^~r^F9~- 302 CHAPTER XVI. ATE in the afternoon of the following day, the air was suddenly filled ,with shouts of rejoicing at the coming of the King, accompanied by his immense fleet of war-canoes. They came bowling down before the brisk trades under press of sails and paddles, bringing hundreds of wounded chiefs and an army much dispirited and broken by their many defeats. Though the Oahuans had fought with the utmost desperation, yet the fast growing power of Kame- hameha, aided by Pele, and the numerous trained white men with their fire-arms, had ever turned the scale of victory in favor of the Hawaiians. Such sanguinary battles had never been fought in all the history of the Islands. In witness of this assertion we have only to mention that fought in the deep and dismal " Vale of lao " the Yose- mite of Maui whose gigantic cliffs rose on either hand two thousand feet above the heads of the com- batants, ever robed in freshest verdure from their high turret peaks, standing like hooded monks ambushed in green ferns and climbing ie vines, down to the rushing waters of the roaring Wailuku " waters of destruction " whose dark waters 303 304 KALANI OP OAHU. were so obstructed, dammed up by the dead and the dying, that it overflowed its banks red with the gore of the fallen braves. Yet, whom- the gods of the Isles favor must continue to win, whatever the resistance brought to bear ; and this feeling had gradually possessed the minds of the army, and dis- pirited even the great Chiefs and their heroic King. Worn with the ever-present anxiety of his long warfare and numerous misfortunes, Kalani was well pleased to again dwell in the soothing pres- ence of his darling Queen. Beautiful as an angel, and wise as a seer, the witching and womanly Kupule soon acquired a judicious and abiding in- fluence over the dark, depressing moods of the King, until the valiant warrior grew into almost oblivion of his losses, and came at length to more than reciprocate the boundless adoration of his darling. The royal pair soon became as inseparable as the dove from his mate, or the tropic night from her stars, being often together, except when the King's attention was needed to devise methods for the better security of the army, against the desperate battle that must ensue when Kamehameha fol- lowed on to Oahu with his victorious forces, as he was preparing to do. But when the new army of Oahu was fully or- ganized, and gathered into the intrenched camp of Nuuanu, and all their other plans for defensive warfare were perfected, then Kalani left the daily drilling to Boki and Kauniualii, and his other great THE DISHEARTENED KING. 305 chiefs, and for the first time in his life gave himself up to the luxury of his love and the idolatrous du- ties of his religion. Together the royal lovers daily visited the army, to aid by their presence the growing enthusiasm slowly manifested among the new forces. And to- gether they boated and fished within the reef and far, out upon the sea; together climbed to the high peaks of Waolani, until their whole island world lay at their feet, a varying picture of tropical beauty. And it was in these days of wandering that Ka- lani spent much time at the Pali, the scene of his last desperate struggle the Thermopylae of the Isles. It is a wild and romantic spot at the moun- tain terminus of the Nuuanu, associated with events of sad and tragic interest the subjugation of a kingdom. Here the King and his heroic chiefs made their last stand, until slaughtered upon the heaps of dead Hawaiians they had piled breast- high in the narrow Pass. Here Kalani fell, be- neath the eyes of his loved young Queen, who sat on the jutting crag above his head to see him die. Here Oahu's panic-stricken soldiers, who had de- serted earlier in the day, were driven at the spear- point by the Hawaiians over the ragged cliff of the dizzy Pali ; an army of cowardly men leaping a thousand feet of unencumbered fall. Grand and beautiful lies the garden-land of Koolau below, and deeper the green, and more thrifty the foliage and flowers, where headlong fell those thousands of Oahu's spear-tossed Serfs. 20 306 KALANI OF OAHU. From the entrance of this renowned Pass, where Kalani fell, upward to the terrible precipice of the Pali, there winds a deep and narrow gorge walled in on either hand by precipitous mountain crags, some of which overhang so as to threaten the in- truder with peril as he passes. Rough and rugged and romantic as is the Pali and its historic gorge, so haunted by the dread- ful remembrance of its two battle-scenes, yet the matchless view from the Pali's dizzy precipice will repay whoever climbs to behold it, for it is con- ceded to be the most beautiful, unique, and pictu- resque scene to be found in a life of wandering. Here our royal lovers would sit for hours enraptured, while overlooking Koolau's pastoral scenes below, lying in one glad picture at their feet. It is a scene too charming to be easily de- scribed, and one never to be obliterated from the mind of the beholder. From where they sat, on the Pali's cliff, there sweeps to the right and left a vast semicircle of mountains, tall and grand, forming the concave as- pect of the matchless scene below ; awakening our utmost sense of grandeur by their jagged peaks, precipitous cliffs, and wild ravines. From over the lofty cliffs leap down cascades and waterfalls, tum- bling thousands of feet from the wooded heights ; so high that often the leaping streams lose their aqueous identity before reaching the ever- verdant fields below 5 dropping their cool mist upon the up- turned face like some ghostly benediction of the spirits of the place. KOOLAU'S GAEDEN LAND. 307 While such is the western aspect of Koolau, two miles away to the eastward rolls the most gigantic surf of an ever-heaving Ocean, crashing in on a rock-bound windward coast ; impressing one with its vast reach of blue sublimit}^ and its long line of unprecedented breakers, which begin to rear their snowy crests far out upon some hidden reef-bed which shows a tinge of green beneath the meridian sun. Such is the distant convex of the shore-line. Thus between the blue Ocean and its wild roaring breakers on the east, and the green crescent of lofty mountains on the west, lie the ever-green pastures and low rolling hills of Koolau's enchant- ing land. Our kingly lovers loved to sit hand in hand, and gaze down from the Pali upon v the thrifty groves of tropic fruits and singing-birds, the limpid lakes and tinkling streams, watering gardens of nutri- tious taro and mealy yams. The whole happy land clothed with perennial beauty, fragrant with ripen- ing fruits and ever-blossoming flowers throughout the whole year round. Yet was this Eden-land wholly inaccessible from the Pali for aught but winged birds and the spear- tossed deserters who were soon after flung from its toppling cliff by the Hawaiian Guard. What a place for panic-stricken men to cling, gloating with longing eyes over the paradisiacal scene be- low, while their ears were agonized with the din of battle which they knew must soon ingulf them. By such daily wanderings and intimate associa- 308 KALANI OF OAHU. tion with his brave and beautiful Kupule, the dis- heartened young King came once more into pos- session of his noble and heroic self; and not only gained heart to finish up the life-work allotted him by Pele, but also acquired a heroic determination to embellish his last battlefield with deeds the fu- ture would not willingly let die. At Kupule's ever urgent entreaty, Kalani was led to devote himself to daily worship at Pele's Fountain in the tabued grove ; at which times the young Queen was assiduous in her efforts to in- duce the dread Goddess of Kilauea to relent in the severity of her awful malediction against her darling a curse so disproportioned to his one hour of sinful derision against the feminine fickleness of his woman god. The day following the King's return from Maui, Paao, the High Priest, suggested the necessity of a thorough Kapu Kane to the gods ; a religious cere- mony of an imposing nature being called for be- cause of their terrible misfortunes, and to enable the assembled Kapu Aliis to mollify the evident displeasure of the gods, as well as to consult the dread deities about future events which now seemed so ominous and disheartening. Kalani consented to a limited Tabu of five days' duration, and such was proclaimed by the Lunapai over all the land. Though the tabu was brief, and but few human manes were furnished for sacri- fice, yet it was made one of the strictest religious covenants with the most arrogant god of the na- THE WAIKIKI. 309 tion. The King and all the great chiefs went down to Waikiki, and dwelt for several days in or about the great Heiau, the vast temple of Pele, built centuries before in the valley of Manoa. The grounds containing the Heiau were an immense work for their day, enclosed by a com- pact wall of stone. Its dimensions were two hun- dred and twenty-four feet by one hundred feet wide. The walls were twenty feet high, twelve feet thick at the base, and six feet at the top, where it was paved with broad smooth stones, and used as a promenade in times of worship. The interior of the Heiau was laid out in terraces, one rising above another, the upper one being paved with flat stones. There were several of these in the enclosure. The central terrace con- tained the great altar of Pele, where human manes were sacrificed to the awful Goddess. This altar was enclosed in a court, and only the King, the High Priest, and the Kapu Aliis of highest rank were permitted to enter into this holy of holies. At one end of this court was a tall pyramid of stone, quadrangular in form, with an arched door leading into the interior where Pua, the beautiful bird- god of Kalani, was kept in sacred trust, to be used in case of sickness, or upon great state occasions. At the opposite end of this court was a tall, hol- low obelisk made of open wicker-work, in which Paao enclosed himself when seeking religious com- munications with Pele. While the priest was thus laboring for an interview with the dread God- 810 KALANI OF OAHU. dess, the King and numerous high chiefs stood lis- tening without the obelisk, ready to join in a wail of entreaty to Pele for an answer to their prayer, which the priest was enjoined to present. At length when a communication was received from the Goddess, it was imparted to the chiefs upon the great outer wall, who in turn announced it to the heralds without, when it was proclaimed throughout the neighboring villages, and to the people hidden among the hills. The supplicating struggles of Paao in obtaining important communications with the most imperious gods were sometimes exhaustive and prolonged. We are told that the intermediate demons, which hold dominion between gods and men, are always jealous of the priests because of their direct influ- ence with the divine rulers of heaven and earth. During the continuance of these dread tabus, on the high walls of the Heiau were stationed many huge wooden idols, often hideous to behold ; and while the behests of the gods were being promul- gated, many of these great idols became terribly agitated, contorting their faces and gnashing their teeth a visible illustration to all those without the temple of the irresistible power of godhead. And yet there were sometimes bold, bad men among the downtrodden people who ventured to ridicule this viable quality of the wooden idols ; and to further insinuate that the communications purporting to come from the gods were cunningly coined for the purpose by the priests, as all the VICTIMS FOR THE TABU. 311 divine bequests were ever in favor of the chiefs and contained new oppressions for the people. But, alas! such scoffers soon sickened and died. Upon the consecration of this great Heiau of Waikiki, after it was built by the mighty Umi, eighty lusty human victims were sacrificed, be- sides hundreds of animals fatted purposely for the gods. This so pleased the several presiding deities of the islands that this Heiau had ever remained the most favored temple from which to appeal to the gods. But during this present tabu the priest was more considerate of his dear fellow-creatures, and but ten men were sacrificed to Pele, together with numerous hogs and dogs to Moa-alii. From these seeming outrages there was no ap- peal. The priest must do the bidding of the gods. Who can resist the demands of the dread Pele, or the voracious sea-god, Moa-alii? None! No, not even the priest ; thus the doomed must die with- out questioning the cruel mandate of the gods. The Tabu of Polynesia is one of the most cun- ning creations of heathen priestcraft the world has seen. The devilish ingenuity shown in its concep- tion is unequalled by any device of Loyola in the days of his greatest iniquity. A more fiendish element of religious despotism could not be de- vised. While it adapted itself to every wish and arbitrary requirement of the proud and arrogant chiefs, proving their most effective weapon of civil or religious government, on the other hand it be- came the most murderous instrument of diabolism 312 KALANI OF OAHU. for the infliction of cruelty upon the common class. The unconquerable dread pervading all classes below the rank of chiefs, when the awful Kapu Kane was in force, was horrifying beyond our con- ception. Through their all-pervading fear of the Tabu, the superstitious people would submit to the most humiliating enactments and outrages when perpetrated by priest or chief, though it took the food from their mouths, the wives from their bosoms, or demanded their own bodies for the Kapu Kane. Though this heathen ecclesiasticism applied with such rigid intolerance to the people, yet the Alii Kapus suffered little inconvenience from the nu- merous mythological tenets arising out of its poly- theism. Let the Priest but proclaim a Kapu Kane upon a great state occasion, as upon a king's death, or previous to going to war, and in the eyes of the terrified people it seemed as if heaven and earth contributed to deepen the horror that spread over the land. Man flies and hides himself for days and weeks, starving in mountain caves and forest depths, flee- ing as from an unchained monster, whose breath is death to whomsoever it encounters. Woman secludes herself in her darkened habitation, speak- ing only in softest whispers to the trembling babe at her breast, the infant imbibing a sense of fear with its pap. For should her maternal lullaby chance TENETS OF A TABU. 313 to invade the ear of the Tabu Priest, while at his awful incantations in the Wahi Kapu, alas ! it is death to some loved male of that household. It is death even to the loving wife should her shadow fall across the path of her chief. Death to light a fire upon the domestic hearth during the dark tabu days whether its malediction pervades days, or weeks, or months. But, thank heaven, the allotted period of the cruel Kapu Kane passes at last. The hideous face-making idols are taken down from the walls of the Heiau, and disposed of in their minor tem- ples ; the countless small white puwalus (flags) of the Tabu are withdrawn from houses and trees and canoes ; and the half-starved people are once more seen stealing out, with furtive looks and scared faces, from their hiding-places ; their cowed hearts imbibing an uncertain sense of gladness at their release like the water-logged gladness of a drowning man just snatched from the sea. Many weeks now passed in busy preparation to resist the threatened invasion of Kamehameha. Oahu had been drained so often during the past wars among the Windward Islands, that now a brave soldiery were much needed to defend their homes against the drilled forces of Hawaii, the material out of which to make an army was not to be found. When every available fighting-man upon Oahu was mustered by his district chief, and gathered into the intrenched camp of Nuuanu, their number did 314 KALANI OF OAHU. not much exceed five thousand soldiers and five hundred chiefs. The material of which the rank and file consisted was poor indeed, for the purposes of the desperate warfare that was expected to ensue. Many of the new recruits were too young and un- trained, or too aged and decrepit to be available. And such was the dread that Kamehameha had created by his successive victories, that many a stalwart youth would not answer to the call of his local chief. These cravens were hunted like wild beasts ; their ears were slit, and they were brought into camp with a rope about their necks, to be ex- hibited as cowards, men who had refused to fight for their homes. And there were too many young recruits with slit ears to augur well for future wars. Yet more than an off-set against the incompetent soldiery, were the large and noble-looking chiefs of Oahu and Kauai ; the entire body of which were the finest set of fighting-men known. The gigan- tic physique of no other hereditary aristocracy was ever so distinctly marked by nature. Six feet was but common stature with both sexes, and seven feet a not uncommon height among these lordly nobles, especially among the titanic chiefs of Oahu. Though of such gigantic frames, and so normally proportioned, yet these herculean chiefs were more renowned for their great strength and cunning use of arms, than for great endurance. Recog- nizing their deficiency in this respect, they were now training themselves to the utmost by daily feats of arms, and by running and wrestling, with TITANIC CHIEFS. 315 a resolute purpose of selling their lives dearly in the last coming battle with the giant Victor of Hawaii. Three and four hundred pounds was not an un- usual weight with these huge chiefs. Yet they were active in warfare, and sparkling with intelli- gence in counsel, in spite of their enormous size and undue adiposis. They were also men of re- markable symmetry, lofty carriage, and majestic mien, qualities denoting innate pride of birth and conscious nobility, and as a body of warriors had no peers among all the warlike tribes of the heathen world. No one who has seen these titanic chiefs when contrasted with the medium-sized common people, but may think with reason that they were of a distinct race from the peasants. But this contro- versy involves a never-to-be forgotten lesson for the anthropologist. Sufficient cause may be found for the disproportioned physical superiority of the chiefs over the serfs, in the exalted mental con- dition of the one, and the abject moral degradation of the other. Pampered pride, and the untrammelled freedom of our mental faculties, will always conduce to ex- pansion of mind and a well-nourished body ; and successive generations of such favoring conditions of mentality have resulted in the gigantic Chiefs of Polynesia. While, on the other hand, searching closely for retrograde metamorphosis, we learn that a life of mental and physical oppression, 316 KALANI OF OAHU. where fear in a thousand ghostly and depressing forms, following one like an invisible Eerie, can never fail to impair digestion, diminish nutrition, and retrograde growth. Moreover, wherever such conditions predominate, they end by unduly aug- menting the animal propensities at the expense of the intellectual faculties always the heaviest possible drag-weight by which to degrade man from his kinship with Godhead. Nothing less than the invigorating atmosphere of their mountain Isles could have upheld the down-trodden classes of the Hawaiian Islands from degenerating into imbecility, with such an ever-pervading fear blighting their lives. Trans- fer them to a low Atoll island where no land- wind is ever engendered and the peasant would become an idiot in three generations. This trans- fusive decadence may be seen going on at the Penuryhns and many other Atoll islands. The sublime grandeur of lofty mountains serves to ennoble the human mind when acting through the sense of seeing. But how much more bene- ficial is their influence of atmospheric qualities acting upon mental and physical nutrition, im- parting hematin and caloric to the life-current, and abundant electric aura to both animal and organic nerve-centres. Few of us but have noticed how sensibly moun- tain influence inspires sublime thoughts, and none but have observed that the dominant races of elevated regions are always large-chested and SPECIAL COURT LANGUAGE. 317 massive-browed ; while upon all low, flat islands even in the bland air of the Pacific we have ever observed the indigenes to have retreating fore- heads, bagging abdomen, and spindling extremities. Conditions arising out of an excess of saline atmos- phere, together with an undue exclusion of the phosphatic and calcareous earth-salts, so impera- tively needed to induce normal mental and physi- cal development. As the intelligent and well-fed chiefs of Oahu had for centuries done all the thinking for the nation, so they necessarily grew in intellectual capacity above their serfs ; while the ever-per- vading despotism of the Kapu Kane crushed the spirits of the people until they became the mental and physical pigmies that we describe. With all their capacity for inflicting cruelty upon the people, yet among the chiefs a high de- gree of courtesy and kindness prevailed, together with a refinement of language and gentle de- meanor that betokens conscious nobility and pride of birth. Contact with the serfs was deemed so contaminating, that, to more thoroughly exclude the commonalty from any participation or under- standing of what transpired in good society, a court language was invented ; and if any of its terms became known to the lower order, those terms were immediately discarded, and new ones substituted. Death was a frequent penalty in- flicted upon the peasants for slight infringements of etiquette required by custom toward the chiefs. 318 KALANI OP OAHU. We have entered thus minutely into the differ- ent quality of fighting-material comprised in the army of Oahu, that subsequent events might be better comprehended, when, in the last great battle of the Nuuanu and the Pali, one part of the army showed such unaccountable cowardice, while a small minority the heroic chiefs fought with a degree of desperation that wins our esteem, and almost engenders oblivion of their previous cruelty to the soldier serf. It was known for weeks that Kamehameha had been mustering a powerful army of nearly sixteen thousand men in Sandy Bay, the westernmost point of Molokai, over across the straits from Oahu. Daily the lookouts watched from the eastern mountains for the coming of the Hawaiian fleet. All but the islands of Oahu and Kauai were already in the hands of the giant invader, whose greater sagacity in enlisting numerous white men into his service, and wisdom in abiding by Vancouver's instructions, to drill and discipline his army after the manner of the Europeans, had been the means of out-gener- alling and out-numbering Kalani everywhere, until he was now driven to fight for his last kingdom Oahu. Kamehameha had sent numerous messages down from Molokai, proffering affluence and freedom to Kalani if he would surrender without further fighting. For the fierce old warrior could not but admire the heroic bravery of his boy antagonist ; and he could not but remember that Kalani was THE COMING ENEMY. 319 not only his reputed brother, but was also wedded to his natural daughter the charming Pelelulu whom he loved with his inmost soul. But never for a moment had Kalani swerved from his noble purpose of defending his kingdom with his life. Therefore, his replies to Kameha- meha were ever in defiance ; bidding the gigantic conqueror come on and do his worst, declaring that his last battle would be witnessed by the gods, and should be his best. Never did gentle woman's love fulfil its divine mission to better purpose than Kupule's, in her unceasing endeavor to rally her Keiki Moi from his moods of depression, whenever he suffered himself to contemplate the enormity of his loss. Never had Kalani lost a battle until after he had so thoughtlessly cast defiance upon Pele the fiery Ignipotent of the Isles because of her apparent apostasy from his cause. He who defies the gods bruises his own head by his blows. From that moment the indignant Goddess had doomed her once favorite warrior to fight on and lose his battles ; condescending to a final promise of earthly forgiveness, and subsequent redemption after death in the dim region of Po, provided his last battle was to her liking. And for this the young hero and his great chiefs were preparing. Many weeks had passed in final preparations for a desperate struggle ; and now all began to be impatient for the last great test of arms ; a con- flict with but the alternative of a well- won free- 320 KALANI OP OAHU. dom or death. The morning was a bright one ; the sea was smooth, and the trades were strong, when suddenly a small Hawaiian canoe shot swiftly into sight from around Diamond Head, an object of sufficient interest to centre all eyes upon it. Though the canoe was evidently one of the enemy's, and without doubt coming from their camp, yet it showed no hesitation, and came boldly on, impelled to the utmost speed under sail and paddles, and flying at the upper angle of the sail a small white puwalu of the Hawaiiaus. Word was brought to Kalani at the palace of Nuuanu, and together with Kaumualii and Bold who had recently been wedded to the brave and beautiful Leleha he went down the valley to receive the war-message, for such it evidently was, when the canoe landed at Honolulu. As the small craft approached the beach, some of the paddlers were recognized as men from their own army, having been captured by the Hawaiians in the last desperate battle in the vale of lao. They had been sent by Kaiaua, a noble uncle of Kalani's, and young Kaumualii, and a brother of Keao, whom Kalani had slain in his great battle with the Kauaians. This proud and ambitious chief was Kamehameha's head counsellor, and one of his foremost generals. But becoming arrogant, and too intrusive in his ambitious schemes, the King had long since shown his distrust of this famous warrior. For this he became a traitor, and now sought to join forces with Kalani, upon the prom- THE TRAITOR CHIEF. 321 ise of having the kingdom of Hawaii if Kameha- meha was beaten. The messengers also brought word that the whole Hawaiian army would sail that afternoon, with intent to land at Koko Point, the eastern cape of Oahu, and would camp in Waialae Bay. The further plan was to break camp and march from Kona to Honolulu before daybreak, and be ready to give battle during the early part of the following day. Kaiana proposed to sail later than the others, deserting with his whole army corps, and by sail- ing around Koko Point and Diamond Head, to avoid the army, and land at early dawn at Hono- lulu before Kamehameha could reach the town to resist his landing. This news made the day a busy one with the army of Oahu, though every- thing had been previously prepared. 21 BENEATH the grove of orange trees, Where Pele's gushing fountain bubbles, Kalani sat, to catch the breeze That fragrant wafts among the trees, Pondering o'er his kingly troubles. Beside the Fountain at his feet, Near Where the stream and flowers meet, With upturned face Kupule sat; Soft gazing on her lover's face, And, woman-like, with gentle chat, Strove on his lip a smile to place. His hand between her own she presses, Soft rests her chin along his knee, Recalling him by sweet caresses, Begs him awhile let sorrow be ; Begs him to leave his grief and gloom Awhile in dead Titeere's tomb. Somewhat of this Kalani felt, While printing on that face his kiss; To fairer soul ne'er lover knelt To bind himself in bonds of bliss. That hour one-half the slaughter bred Whose crimson dyed the Pali's dell, Where his own red blade the carnage shed, And piled the dead on which he fell ; But not too high for Love to climb, And on his bleeding bosom die, To catch his dying call in time, And heavenward with his Spirit fly. CHAPTER XVII. T was the last night of earth-life allotted to Kalani of Oahu. the kingly youth, the matchless warrior of his time ! The long list of- sanguinary conflicts assigned to him by Pele the ruthless Ignipotent of Ki- lauea had been fought, and lost, as she predicted, on that dread night of her maranatha by the foun- tain. Now the last battlefield awaits the Keiki Moi on the morrow, the final act of an heroic drama of kingly strife and kingly love ! During the day everything had been perfected about the army by its officers ; and Kalani had bid Boki and Kaumualii to take charge of their respec- tive forces until the hour of conflict arrived, as he wished his final interview with the Queen to be uninterrupted by affairs of state or war. The royal pair had spent the afternoon happily together at the palace, with only Manona in attend- ance ; for Leleha had girded on sword and dag- ger and joined Boki, her wedded lord, in the camp. Now that the evening meal was over, and one by one the stars came sorrowfully out over the land, the King grew moody and thoughtful ; and taking Kupule's hand tenderly in his own, he led her away 323 324 KALANI OF OAHU. up to the Kiowai in the sacred orange grove. A feeling of reverence for divine things, and ten- derness for the dear ones who clung to his heart- strings, possessed the kingly boy in that hour. He wished to give one final hour's worship to their barbaric Goddess in lonely solitude with his Queen ; though both, in their inmost hearts, had already given ear to the white man's God, but dare not, as yet, confess it aloud, so trammelled were they with the cunning superstitions of their priest-ridden land. It was a hushed and hallowed night over the ever beautiful valley of Nuuanu ; and there were gentle angel-faces haloed by every star that met the sad gaze of the worshippers in the fountain, as the tinkling spray fell like bell-music about their ears. A thousand inarticulate cadences melodized everywhere, in sweet accord with human bereave- ment, and the sacred song-spirits of the night whispered their prayerful melodies down the yel- low harp-strings of the stars in solemn nocturne. Even the camp-fires across the Nuuanu quelled down their flickering blaze into slumbering em- bers, lest they glare too obtrusively upon these last momentous hours before the battle. There comes a soft and reverent hum from the low- voiced army, blending with the prayerful water- fall, and the ceaseless vesper-hymn from the mur- muring sea. Until, to the sad young worshippers in the tabued grove, there seemed a universal ben- ediction pervading the soft gray silence, as it knelt WORSHIP AT THE FOUNTAIN. 325 like a bereaved Spirit over the slumbering valley and the sleeping sea. It was a night to make all men prayerful and reverent, whether their mood be one of gladness or of sadness, for the spirit of Deity pervaded the heavens, and the hush of a thousand listening angels brooded everywhere abroad over all this terror-stricken land. There is ever a pathos in last hours and last meetings ; an element of sublime sorrow that can never be portra} r ed by the most artful array of col- ored tints, or the fluent tracery of words. We may possibly depict the quivering lip and the tender eye, but the lofty spirit of a great inward grief can never be portrayed. The soft inflection im- parted to loving words, where sorrowing hearts seek to impress their own pulsation in tremulous quaver upon another's, when exchanging last mes- sages, can only be interpreted by linked hearts and loving ears when most divinely attuned to receive them. Thus had the royal lovers spent their last hours in the sacred grove, interpreting their agonized heart-beats to each other. Their last night's wor- ship at Pele's tabued shrine. Their last night's communion below the stars ! But when loving words became too tremulous for interchanging their pent-up loves, and articulation became too choked to give utterance to the voiceless affection within ; then the kingly lover could only fold his little Queen in his strong arms, and permit their blended hearts to beat in wild unison together. 326 KALANI OF OAHTT. But last hours fly on swifter wings than others. Orion is now reflecting his sword and belt in the spring beside the lovers. Aldebaran and the seven sorrowing sisters have given place to the Hunter, who now lifts his club to strike where gleams the blood-red star on the head of angry Taurus. It was a warlike S} r mbol, reminding our warrior King that the midnight hour was upon them ; and the new day, the last day, had come, that was to be made the most momentous in the history of the mountain Isle the dear Oahu that should be his heritage no more ! And Kalani put the fair, sweet face from off his manly breast, and turned Kupule's sad eyes and wet cheeks to the stars till Aldebaran orbed himself within her dark orbs until he could once more peruse the inmost soul within the queenly face he loved. Long had Kalani found that the best inspiration for his battle-god was in the fair, fond face that now prompted him to those yet greater deeds of carnage for the morrow ; deeds that have linked his name forever with Waolani's mountain Pass, wherein the kingly hero fell I The King now bethought himself to ascend to the top of Punch Bowl, where he could still pass the night with the Queen, and at the same time could watch for any signal of the enemy's approach from Kona, should the Hawaiians chance to be early on the move. But it was necessary to leave word at the palace where they were going, lest Boki might wish for GATHERING OP THE UNSEEN. 327 the King, and know not where to find him. Ku- pule offered to run down to the palace and leave the desired message. In an instant more she was lost to view, as she sped away through the bended boughs of the fruit-laden, flower-clad trees of the tabued orange grove ; following the laughter-loving brook down the hillside, which quickened its glid- ing puce to keep company with the maiden as she ran. Kalani was thus left alone in the starlit solitude bj- the fountain ; and his loneliness was soon thick peopled with the sorrows that ever invade the last hours of life. Unconsciously he groaned aloud in anguish of heart as he contemplated the wrecked hopes of his young life. It was indeed a thankless task to enter upon another great battle with Pele's cruel prediction yet ringing in his ear : " Because of your defiance, you shall fight only to lose ! Your last battle shall be your best ; then the gods will await you in the realms of Po above ! " With his young life thus oppressed with the mal- ediction of the gods, what wonder that he almost lost heart, and bowed his kingly head in sadness as he sat by the purling fountain's rim ! When the royal boy uttered his wrung cry of grief, there came a universal hush over the night, bringing a quick sense of relief to his heart, followed by a whir dim and indistinct as from a gathering of count- less invisible sympathies in the grove ; together with a gentle tumult agitating the starlit waters. And there, indeed, appeared the tiny Elf-queen, rising 328 KALANI OF OAHU. softly to the surface ; and while half hidden by the falling spray, and a cluster of half-closed flowers and long pendent leaves that drooped down over the spring, little Nani sat with her baby-hands clasped, watching the sorrowing King. Upon her star-like face was a look of such grief as only the immortals may wear. But Kalani sat with bowed head and heard not the kindly gathering above and about him, nor saw the sad blue eyes of the sor- rowing Fairy, though her golden tresses rayed the darkness like abundant star-beams. Presently there came a soft rustling along the brook-side ; a stir among the dewy grasses and the night-folded flowers ; a gliding, stealthy footstep just invaded Kalani's ears, though light as when summer winds awaken the slumbering leaves. Now a nearer rustle led Kalani to lift his head from his folded arms, when he was greeted by a softly coo- ing voice, and two fond arms were twined tenderly about the neck of the brooding King ; and tones softer than the music of the OVs song filled his ear with the melody of gentle love and tender en- dearments. What wonder that Kalani could not long sorrow when thus intruded upon by such a bewitching presence ! It was Kupule. The god-born Queen had hast- ened back with stealthy footsteps to snatch her Keiki Moi from his terrible forebodings because of the hateful Pele's neglect of her doomed young warrior, in this, his greatest hour of need. A sweet, magnetic face lies close to Kalani's, and dark, soft THEIR FAREWELL REVERT! 329 eyes, luminous as stars, hang over him, appealing to all that is tender and noble in the heart of man, to arouse up in all his strength of soul, and once more become the grandest possibility in the war- rior and the King ! When little Nani saw the effect of Kupule's en- dearments in restoring the King to himself again, she, and probably many another of the unseen sym- pathies, quietly returned to their several vocations once more ; though neither the King nor the sharp- eyed Queen knew of the unspoken sympathy of that midnight hour, convoked in such abundance about the Kiowai o Pele. Yet was he sustained by their united prayers, though he knew not why. 44 Come, Kupule ! come, my darling ! " And the King rose up like a roused lion, and lifted the loved Queen to his side. "Let us climb to the top of Puawai and look down upon the glorious beauty of the night. Kalani would indulge himself in once more looking down upon the star-gemmed sea, where in youngest days he loved to swim in the bay, and ride swift as a tempest upon the great surf ; as Pele rides upon her lava-sea in Kilauea." 44 Dear Kalani ! why speak you so ? Why sa} 7 s my Moi 4 once more ' ? " " There's that between us two, dear love, that prompts Kalani to speak the unhidden thoughts of his soul to-night. The hour approaches when my noble kingdom must become another's. One well may grow sad to part with this dear land ; with it and you the fairest wahine ever bestowed upon a king ! " 330 KALANI OP OAHU. "Auwe! Auwe! O my Kalani ! Keep heart! Be brave ! You who have always been a great warrior since your youngest childhood." " Fear not, my noble Queen. The courage of Kalani bears a quality that never dies ; a courage that ever yet has exalted itself to the utmost needs of the hour." " Kupule has feared lest your great misfortunes should crush the brave heart that has borne you up so long." " And still will it bear your Keiki Moi into the utmost front of battle. Bear him on, until the red plume in his proud crest goes down forever ! " " Then what means this lingering sadness, low- ering like a cloud upon your kingly brow ? like the mist- veil yonder on Waolani's topmost peak ? " " It means, Kupule mine, that the world has grown wondrous fair to-night ; that Kalani has come to prize existence in these last hours of life. It means that Oahu the last Isle of my king- dom has grown beautiful when seen in such soft repose, until Kalani's heart goes forth to her as to none else but thee my Aloha Alii ! " " It is indeed a fair and thrifty land, engirt by blue, prolific seas. Worth the fighting for as never a Koa Moi warrior king put forth his might before." " So will Kalani battle for his loved kingdom, and his fair young Queen. But because both are so fair, well may I grieve their loss. And yet, dar- ling, you shall see Kalani fight his last, best battle, with intensest hate of war ' " WATCHING FROM PUAWAI. 331 5 . 44 Here we are, upon the rocky battlement of frowning Puawai. What would you here, upon this grass-grown crater's rim ? " " See ! Pele has already lit her torch of war upon far-off Loa's brow. How gleams the Hawai- ian's blue throughout the red flame ! The cold and cruel Goddess has indeed forsaken Kalani else would a red gleam pervade her volcanic flame." 44 Is there word of Kamehameha's having come?" " Ay ! there lies his fleet in Waialae Bay, count- less as the screaming sea-birds along the shore. Look ! your bright eyes can see the flicker of their camp-fires among the thrifty groves of Kona. How flash their hateful gleams against the peaceful sky!" 44 1 see their countless fires, more numerous than the stars. How large is my father's army ? " 44 Sixteen thousand : so report my spies. All trained and willing warriors, led on by many hate- ful haole (foreigner), and commanded by an ever victorious King." 44 What strength have we, spears, javelins, and slings?" 44 Not six thousand, of all arms. And many craven, unwilling curs among our ranks; Kanakas whose nimble legs are more fleet than the moun- tain winds to seek the rear." 44 Is there no hope of Kaiana's yet joining our ranks ? " 44 The dawn may bring his traitorous aid. But whether he come to join Oahu's army or Hawaii's, time alone can tell ; for such ambitious men poise 332 KALANI OF OAHU. on too varying motives, ever changeful as the wind. The trades blow fair from Molokai to-night, and Kaiana's fleet must be a- wing, if ever." " 'Tis not a noble element to trust to in such a cause as ours. But, come or come he not, your little Queen will take spear for Oahu, and battle beside her King ! " "A pretty mark for a foeman's spear!" And with a smile of pride Kalani drew her tenderly to his side. " You know not how expert my maidens are with spears. Hearing of your defeat to windward, Ma- nona, Leleha, and I, and dozens more of our wa- hine Aliis, trained to great expertness." " It would mar Kalani's battle to see thy dear form fall bleeding at his side." 44 But we hav-e also drilled for many a day to fence and parry, and swerve, warrior-like, from the swiftest spear the corning foe may cast." "Kalani's arm would palsy, fearing lest the spear that missed himself, might sheathe itself in thee. Ah, Love ! there's something worse than defeat something worse than death. And my darling Queen must not put me to the test in such an hour as this." " Kalani's word is ever the law of the land ; and thy lightest wish shall rule Kupule to the end of being. But bid me not too far away from my dar- ling, lest my Keiki Moi go down and Kupule be not there to see." "Nay, not too far away; for Kalani could not DEATH, OR VICTORY! 333 battle his best were not your loving eyes upon his deeds." 44 Where would you that I should flee, with my maidens, in that dread hour? " 44 There is a woody crag bends threatening down over the narrow Pass in the Pali's gorge as bends a lowering tempest-cloud, beetle-browed above the sea 'tis Kalani's chosen spot to die. There shall you climb and sit to watch me fight, and if Pele wills to see me fall ! " > 44 Auwe, my Kalani ; it must be within call, lest you die and I be not there." 44 So shall it be. Not where the Pali's frightful precipice overlooks the surf-lashed shore, and Koo- lau's flowery plain. But where the frowning moun- tains show a kindly wish to meet." 44 It is a dismal, narrow gorge, where a few brave chiefs who dare to die, may crown themselves with glor}' for' all coming time." 44 There will our best and bravest plant their feet to fly no more. Watch from your crag and see us make our breastwork of the slaughtered foes; but when thy dear name is cried out upon the summer air, then seek Kalani, and seek him swiftly ; for only when this strong arm that twines thee now shall fail me, would Kalani have you come to see him die." 44 Auwe ! kuu Moi ! Oh, my King ! Must death then await to-morrow's battle ? " 44 Death, or Victory ! " 44 Poino ! poino ! (alas ! alas !) O Pele ! How can Kupule thus give up her King ? " 334 KALANI OP OAHU. " Would iny brave Queen have her Warrior livo to become the slave of another ? " " Rather would Kupule wail over the slaugh- tered manes of her Keiki Moi ! " 44 So be it. Our minds are one. Twill be no task for Oahu's warrior King to fight and die. Yet remember, that only he dies happy who looks his last aloha into the eyes he loves." 44 My Moi ! My Kalani ! How can Kupule lose you so ? " " 'Tis best so. And look you : though I climb beyond the stars, where all is fiery splendor, yet the twin-soul of Kalani shall abide with you forever. Constant as the dawn, Kalani's dual spirit shall attend the footsteps of his darling." 44 Dear Kalani ! " And she twined fast about his neck with a quiver of agony, while thus contem- plating her loss. 44 When Kupule awakes, with the sun on Wao- lani, Kalani's spirit shall await her, sitting upon the mountain wrapped in the glory of the dawn. The sweet songs of the pretty O-o shall be as my loving voice, calling to greet thee." 44 Auwe ! Auwe ! Must we part ? " 44 Hearken, dear one ! thou shalt not miss the endearments of thy Kalani. Even in thy fond dreams he will pervade thy slumber ; whispering his kingly love into thine ears in tones sweeter than the perfume of the wildwood flowers." 44 Dear, my King ! You wring Kupule's heart with anguish, picturing the dear joys so unfulfilled TEMPT ME NOT ! 335 with thee. And must your Queen live to look upon the pale face of her warrior dying dead ! slaughtered by his hated foes ? " 44 So Pele has willed it. But will it not be glo- rious to look down from your mountain crag upon the heaped- up dead, thick strewn about your war- rior King ? " " Would it were not so, dear Love ! Life were so sweet with peace and plenty in this dear land of constant summer ; with thy fond love thus wrapped about me, as wraps your golden mamo about your darling." 44 How has Kupule's love changed the whole world to Kiilani. Once thy Warrior thought earthly happiness meant only war, war ! with no joy so great as during the wild battle-shout, when spears fell like hail, and sabres flashed like light- ning sporting through the summer showers." 44 And now you hate this war, and love your lit- tle Queen. May one not take a swift waa and fly from what we hate? Is there not some remote isle awaits us far down the blue sea in the sunset-land of rainbows? the dear isles where the sunset gon- fanons will henceforth wave no more for Kalani ? Ah, let us fly ! " 44 Tempt me not ! Do the brave ever fly in the face of danger? Are there not things more terri- ble than death to a warrior? And were we tempted to fly, does not Pele's cruel malediction yet wave like a banner of blood above me ? Rather help your Koa Moi to die face to the foe, that his name shall be linked to Oahu forever ! " 336 KALANI OF OAHTT. "The quick eyes of a warrior are swift to see the right. Hearts blended like ours can people what world they will with bliss. Such loves glad- den all things about them, as perfumes exude from flowers to gladden the heart of Deity." " Almost you make Kalaui wish to live. Yet how to live without war has never been known in all the history of Oahu." " True, our gods delight in war, and bloodshed is the merriest pastime of their lives. Yet the Haoles, from ovey the sea, tell us that their God is Aloha (Love) ; ever whispering to them 4 Peace, peace ! ' all their lives long." " What a land were Oahu my dear, sunny Isle with such an Akua Nui throned upon Waolani ! A white-faced God ruling my lazy Kanakas with smiles ! A gentle God crying 4 Peace ! eat poi and fish ; eat cocoa-nut and bread-fruit, and be happy ! ' But it is all a dream ; there is no such god as Aloha. For are not all things at war with each other ? The fish war upon other fishes in the sea ; the birds tear their brother birds with fierce talons ; and the very gods, who rule over our land, war with each other, fighting like snarling curs before our doors." " Can there be no truth in the Haole's story ? " " It cannot be ; they are liars. Being white, makes men false to each other, and untruthful to Kanakas. Did not Cook the god Lono take many shiploads of our food for a gift, and then repay us by pulling down the sacred gods from our Temple of Lono, taking them away in his boats DEFYING THE GODDESS. 337 to burn in his inokus ? (ships.) Did he not speak lies, and thus entrap the great King Kalaniopuu ? Did he not kill our people because of that lie, and when they saw it they slew him ? " 44 See, Kalani ! there glows a new light yonder, where the Hawaiian camp-fires burn. Is it a sig- nal-light on Diamond Head ? " " No, my Queen ; 'tis but a gleam of starlight close down to the ocean's rim. Pele has just flung it to the low-down sky, perhaps with a touch of lingering tenderness for Kalani." " Would it were a token of her returning affec- tion, then all were well with the coming day." " Time was when the heart of your King would have gladdened to be thus remembered. But the blood-thirsty wahineAkua woman god of Kilauea has already done her worst for Kalani ; though she should relent of her cruelty, it is too late. I'll no more of her fickle love this side of Po. Almost would Kalani rather love the white man's God than her." u Hush ! dear Kalani. There bursts an angry flame from far-off Loa, because of your impious taunts of the nation's god. Forbear, my King ; there is no wisdom in rejecting the love of the gods be they good or evil. We err, who scorn the love of any. Keep all resentful feelings deep buried in your heart 'tis but for a day." " Poino ! wahine Moi ; has it not compassed your woman's wisdom that Pele resents one's thoughts as well as one's word? In my deep heart I did 22 KALANI OP OAHU. but think, ' If Pele but loved me as of old ; ' when, behold, she flung down the white-faced Astarte from her hand, in instant answer to my thoughts." " And will you not love the Goddess for the deed ? " " Not I. She flung the pretty star of Aloha dis- dainfully down from her mountain throne, as one flings a stale fish to a dog. Seeing how Kalani scorns her laggard love now that she has reft him of his Windward Isles behold, how she thrusts her baneful war-torch into the midnight sky; urging the hateful Hawaiians on to combat." " Dear Kalani, is it not rather a proffering of her love; a signal to warn my King of to-morrow's approaching war, when my Keiki Moi shall fill the world with fame ? Is this not kind in the good Pele ? " " Nay, nay ! It is a signal for Kamehameha to quicken his march. See you not the hateful tinge of purple in the flame ? Pele has not forgotten the red plume worn in Kalani's crest ; nor the red flame that erst lit her young warrior to battle, ere that dread night before we fought Keao." " But, ah ! what more than mother's love to let you win that battle, and slay Keao. Who shall say but Pele loves you yet ? " " Let her keep her loitering love, and bring on her hateful war. Love and war are the heritage of kings. Kalani grows impatient, waiting to fight his last battle. I have wrestled with it so often in my slumbers, that the shrieks of combat are ever WATCH MY LAST BATTLE DEEDS. 339 ringing in my ears, as when the night winds howl on Loa's snow-clad mountain top." 44 Auwe, Kalani ! Has thy troubled sleep been thus invaded ? " " Ay. Kalani has planned his battle scheme so frequently, and died his coming death so often, that the ghost of Oahu's King invades his waking vision, as it pervades his dreams. Thus, while yet alive, Kalani has seen his own grim Shade stalking over the land, like yonder huge Shadow-dark flung down by Waolani's topmost peak." " What is yon light, flashing up so hastily from Leahi's jagged crest ? " " 'Tis the watchfire's warning. What it means I know not ; for Hawaii's army would surely march with Pele's first signal from Mauna Loa." "Is all in readiness to receive Kamehameha?" 44 As ready as ever the few can be to receive the many ; the weak to receive the strong. Yet there is the might of a thousand warriors in my own right arm to-night." " You look a very hero in the starlight ! " 44 Kupule, watch from your high perch on Waolani with calm, remembering eyes, that when Kalani is gone, you can relate his warlike deeds in the Pali. I would not that Kamehameha should deem Oahu's warrior King had lost the art of war. In future tranquil times, dear love, whisper some of my great deeds into the willing ear of the Lonely One, for 'tis said his ugly heart ever gladdens at the recital of valiant deed." 340 KALANI OF OAHU. "Never two loving eyes can watch as will Kupule's, that she may recount thy glorious battle to the world, and whisper of thy mighty deeds to Kamehameha. I know my giant father better than my King can do. He'll weep hot tears to see you dead. For beneath his rugged breast lies a massive heart, tender as a wahine's to the touch of sorrow." 44 I would my cunning pdhi might make a scab- bard of it ! 'Tis an ugly, hateful heart to me ; robbing me of my kingdoms and my love ; my liberty or my life. Kamehameha has stood be- tween me and Pele since childhood's hour. His name withers upon my tongue, and curdles the hot blood in my veins. Kalani asks but life to lay him low ; and failing that, to heap the might- est heap of dead Hawaiians the conqueror's eyes e'er looked upon ! " " Auwe ! Auwe! Is not that the glitter of spears marching along Waikiki's shore ? " " It is, indeed ! Their countless footsteps has- ten on to battle. An hour more will flood Nuu- anu's dear loved vale with fiercest fiends. But we will linger yet on Puawai to observe the Ha- waiians to the last." 44 Darling ! what is yonder long black line just rounding the dark crag of Leahi, winging along the white surf like low-flying sea-birds ? " 44 Ha! There comes Kaiana's friendly fleet, hastening with laboring paddle and favoring sail down from Molokai. 'Tis a goodly sight to Kalani ! " THE LOVERS' PAETING. 341 " What force does he bring to our aid ? " 44 As near as this dim light permits, I count an hundred well-filled canoes full three thousand Hawaiian warriors to aid Oahu's little band. This is indeed a proof of Pele's love that Kalani will die remembering." 44 Kupule's heart is made glad to see her King thus relent toward Deity." 44 Kupule, dear, sweet love! this glad sight un- folds a task for thee. Are you fleet of foot, and can you bear a war-message to noble Boki ? " 44 Swifter than the white-bellied albatross will Kupule fly to bear Kalani's word, and joy to do his kingly bidding! " And the King took Kupule into his arms for a last strong embrace before he could reply ; covered her winsome face with kisses, and almost losing heart to part with her. As one clings to the loved d}^ing, so clung the noble King to his darling. But it must be done, and he gave her his message and sped her tearfully away. 44 Brave, sweet Queen ! You have been my sole comfort in these dark hours. You shall be my watchword through the battle ; my latest watchword when I fall ! " 44 Dear Kalani ! I am repaid for all my love by this your kingly preference. Love Pele, and die bravely ; and I will watch to see thee die ! " 44 Darling Queen ! Kalani's fiery heart heaves like an ocean -billow, so troubled to part with you this side the stars. But war will rend many 342 . KALANI OF OAHU. another heart besides our own to-day. Fly to the camp across the valley. Tell noble Boki that Kaiana speeds down Waikiki reef with an army to aid us. Let him meet my uncle, call him not Traitor to-day! meet him at Honolulu, and assign the Hawaiians to the left wing ; the farthest remove from the coming presence of their fierce old King lest they run like whipped curs with fear of his ugly frown. Now fly, dear Love, with Kalani's latest kiss on lip and brow ! " " Oh, Kalani ! Love was not made for such partings ! " " Stay I One more last kiss another away ! lest I fling my sword down the steep mountain, and hide me in the forest wilds with very hate of death and war. Aloha ! my wahine Moi ! " " Aloha ! my Keiki Moi ! my darling ! " And Kupule sped away like a fawn, sobbing audibly as she ran through the starlit crater, leav- ing Kalani still watching the progress of the Ha- waiian army from the top of Punch Bowl. CHAPTER XVIII. " Well, Chiefs ! Kaiana 's joined the foe : Doth thus our kingly gifts repay. But cheer, my Braves, let Traitors go, He shall not cause an hour's delay. Who here on fair Oahu's shore But hopes to win, or would our force were more ? Who wills to fight we show the way : Who craven feels here let him stay : Now march ! this land is ours ere ends the day ! " AMEHAMEHA did not delay an instant because of Kaiana's desertion from his army. But seeing that his arrogant and ambitious war-chief did not arrive in due time from the camp at Molokai, he marched upon the enemy all the earlier, in hopes to intercept the deserters ere they could land at Honolulu, and en- deavor to prevent Kaiana's joining forces with the army of Oahu. But they had seen the fleet of Kaiana pass them as they marched with swift strides up Waikiki beach. And when day dawned, and the Hawai- ians were marching up the Nuuanu, it was dis- covered that the deserters were already blended with the army of Oahu, where they awaited 343 344 KALANI OF OAHU. silently and sullenly the coming of their country- men. Leaving a guard to take possession of Kaiana's fleet of canoes, Kamehameha marched his whole army of thirteen thousand men up the valley. As he approached quite near to the intrenched forces of Oahu, he ordered a halt, and with the utmost precision and celerity formed his centre into a great phalanx, with the two wings of the army formed in double lines on either hand. Within the great hollow square were Kameha- meha and his staff of chiefs, among them numerous white men, trained to arms. Prominent among the latter was John Young, the English boatswain, and Isaac Davis, with their battery of four small brass cannon, which had previously been the means of winning several battles naval and land-fought and subsequently became the turn- ing-point, by breaching the ramparts, on this terrible day. In command of the centre, where were stationed Kamehameha's regiment of giant guards, was the gigantic Keeaumoku, noted for his immense strength and prowess in war. This great warrior bore the cognomen of the " Yellow-backed Crab," a name bestowed upon him after his cruel assassi- nation of prince Keoua, and seven other brave chiefs, who had laid down their arms and sur- rendered, after promise of safety from Kameha- meha. As this foul deed upon so many great chiefs was perpetrated in the presence of Kameha- THE HAWAIIANS IN NUUANT7. 345 meha, it must ever remain a blot upon his usually truthful and humane character. Keeaumoku had from the first rendered his new King the most dis- tinguished services of any of his great chiefs, and was from that time forth the foremost general and head councillor of Kamehameha, and also the father of his favorite " Love Queen," the famous Kaahumanu who proved the most remarkable woman of her nation. The right wing was commanded by Kalaimoku, (Billy Pitt,) a relative of Kalani, and a brother of Boki. But having been taken prisoner in one of the long previous Hawaiian wars, Kamehameha saved his life, which so won upon the grateful warrior that he ever after adhered to his new King. He was now second in rank to Keeaumoku, and having a sagacious mind, and being a wise statesman, as well as warrior, he was soon after made prime minister in place of Kaiana who had just deserted arid also became Governor of Oahu after the capture. Kameeimoku, another formidable and ferocious chief, presided over the left wing. It was this savage giant who captured the " Fair American " and threw Captain Metcalf and his crew over- board to the sharks ; young Isaac Davis being the only one who was spared. To that vessel belonged three of the cannon now in battery before the ramparts. In connection with this outrage it is due to Kamehameha to say that he was highly indignant 346 KALANI OF OAHU. with Kameeimoku, and shed tears while reproving the fierce chief. But because of this maritime outrage, the King himself detained John Young that very day, lest the captain of the Elenora should learn of the loss of his tender, and revenge himself upon the town, as he had done with terri- ble effect upon a less occasion at Maui. After firing guns off the bay for two days, and seeing nothing of Young, the Elenora sailed away. From that hour Young's history became closely inter- woven with Kamehameha's, and he conduced more to the conquest of the Islands than any of the great chiefs. When the army was thus formed in its great central square, which was considered proof against any attack that could be brought to bear, with its double columns formed for attack upon the two wings, Kamehameha ordered an advance close up to the rampart wall of coral rock, behind which Kalani, Kaumualii, and Kaiana had marshalled their combined forces from the three Islands. Calling a halt, Naihe, the smooth-tongued orator and diplomatist of Hawaii, was sent forth to offer peace, and agree upon terms of surrender. In his hand he bore a large ti leaf, as a flag of truce, and being seven feet in height and grace- fully proportioned, he looked the suave and polite courtier that he was. Boki, the commander-in-chief under Kalani, was sent forward to meet Naihe, and negotiate for the surrender of the Windward Islands, if that could MEETING OP DIPLOMATS. 347 be accomplished. The two chiefs met midway be- tween the armies, both generals being unarmed. Never were two diplomats more gracious and persuasive in manner and mien than were these mighty chiefs, though boiling over with hatred against the opposing army. Naihe argued that his great king had wept be- cause of the rivers of blood already shed. Adding that Kamehameha loved Kalani as a brother, and was captivated by his heroism in battle ; and would assign him honorable captivity should he surrender. The Hawaiian entered into a lofty and weighty argument against the possibility of Oahu's imper- .fect army winning against such great odds. Each chief introducing himself as follows : " Aloha ! kiekie Alii ! (Love to you, noble chief!) I am Naihe, the great orator of Hawaii, and a coun- cillor to my King. Kamehameha, the mighty king of all the Windward Islands by right of con- quest requests me to speak kindly to your young King about a peaceful surrender of Oahu." Boki bowed politely and replied: "Aloha! Naihe, ke kiekie Alii ! The warrior before you is Boki, the commander-in-chief under the mighty King, and a councillor of the nation. We esteem it a duty to offer Kamehameha any courtesy he comes to ask. If your noble King and his fine army have come to visit Kalani, and return in peace, after re- ceiving our recognition of your right by conquest to the Windward Islands, we shall be glad to enter- tain you royally. But if you come to seek another 348 KALANI OF OAHTJ. kingdom, you surprise us. If you come for war, you amaze us. For when did the ears of a Hawai- ian ever hear of a chief of Oahu crying for peace, or declining the pleasure of a combat ? " " Most noble Boki, you are a great Orator ; a man of wit. I admire you, I am sure we should be friends. This valley of Nuuanu is indeed a pleas- ant place, a fine place for a Kauaawa bitter con- test. With this pretty stream babbling through it, it must remind the great Boki of the Wailuku, in the terrible ' Yale of lao ; ' where we dammed up the waters with your dead braves." " Naihe has a fine eye for beauty. Your moun- tains of Hawaii are a trifle taller than ours ; but such a Valley as this is not to be found. Nuu- anu is indeed the place we most love ; the place where our mighty warrior, the King, and his Kapu Aliis mean to live, and by your leave mean to die. Whoever comes to take the beautiful Nuuanu from us, will see a worse Kapaniwai than that in the dismal Vale of lao, where, if our memory serves us right, there were more dead Hawaiians Stopping the Waters, than of our people." " Noble Boki ! how fleeting a thing is memory. Let me hope that the lost battle of Kohala, where we destroyed your whole fleet, has not been for- gotten ? " " I believe some little misfortune did happen to us there, all from want of due preparation ; and your having the Britannia and the three cannon which you stole from the haoles. But the event BADINAGE ABOUT BATTLES. 349 was of so trifling a nature that it has long been forgotten by our warriors. Strange you should still remember that slight affair ! " " We have often inquired in our camp why the army of Oahu left Maui with such nimble legs after the last battle ? " " Auwe ! Did it seem to you that we left with any degree of haste ? Ah, yes, there were matters of importance calling us to Oahu." " We are to have a fine day for a little brush ; and as you are at home, there will be nothing to call you hurriedly away from battle." " Be sure, Naihe, we will entertain you well today." 44 Confess your admiration of our powerful army ; and our having those terrible guns of the haole's must make you Oahuans tremble." 44 It is indeed a fine army ; but Kaiana, who is on a little visit to us, has just told us that you have but little okaoka (powder) for your big yellow can- non, so they are like big yellow dogs with but very small barks what a pity ! " " It would not be well for your king to take the word of a vile Traitor, in such matters. These cannon will make a fine frolic knocking down your flimsy wall. They would even knock a hole through the Waolani, if we wished it." 44 Indeed, Naihe, we do all admire your big guns ; they are of the color of the mamos of kings, and make a sweet noise and a pretty dust when ani- mated. But what a pity you have so little okaoka to make them howl in the air." 350 KALANI OP OAHTJ. " But the morning is passing, and we must soon fight it out. Now what shall I say to my King about this matter ? " " Say to the mighty Kamehameha, that, rather than surrender more than you have already taken, we are prepared to die fighting for our fair Isle of Oahu." " I regret to take back such a message to Kame- hameha, for the wrath of the 4 Lonely One ' is terrible to look upon. But I think we shall have a fine day for a good battle. Aloha ! Come and take a calabash of poi and a fine mullet with Naihe, if convenient after the battle." " Aloha ! kiekie Naihe. And if your wounds are troublesome at the end of the fray, I'll see to it they are well dressed by doctor Koleamoko." Politely bowing to each other, with many genial smiles, the two chiefs returned to their respective kings ; and ere the sun went down that day the one great chief was lying dead in the Pali's gorge, and his Leleha dead by his side ; and the other was badly wounded by a fearful sword-cut inflicted by his diplomatic brother of the morning. When Naihe communicated to Kamehameha the untoward result of his mission, the savage old King frowned till his massive forehead fluted like the corrugated front of a volcano, and he roared forth his orders for battle in the voice of a mael- strom. In an instant all was bustle and commotion among the Hawaiians. The front of this square KAMEHAMEHA. 351 was now opened by the guards deplo}^ing to the right and left, and assuming positions convenient for again quickly closing up the phalanx in case of a strong sortie from the fort. This movement discovered the battery to the Oahuans stationed along the ramparts, though the cannon had already been seen by Kalani and his chiefs from their ele- vation upon the hillside. Kalani had assumed this position upon the rising ground to overlook the battle, and was now seen giving his last orders to Boki, Kaumualii, Kaiana, and Paoa. And while the two former hastened down to the ranks to assume their com- mands, the two latter remained with the King watching the Hawaiian preparations for attack. Kalani was dressed in state on this occasion of opening the battle, as was his gigantic rival oppo- site upon the knoll. The young King had his golden mamo over his shoulders, and his helmet glittering with yellow feathers upon his head; from its crest waved a small crimson plume, com- posed of the red spike-feathers of the tropic birds' tails. He was personating the commander-in-chief to-day, presiding over the whole army, in imita- tion of a custom brought into use by Kamehameha. Kamehameha wore a gay-colored calico shirt under his magnificent feather war cloak, which, being larger and deeper, was more costly than Kalani's as it had taken " nine generations of kings to fabricate this superb garment." The head of this monstrous man was surmounted by a 352 KALANI OP OAHU. lofty helmet, elegantly composed of yellow feath- ers and decorated with the choicest seed-pearls the rarest gems their divers had gathered during a thousand years. The shirt was a present from Vancouver, who also gave him his ponderous sword and costly dagger, together with a British suit of scarlet regimentals, ostentatiously trimmed with gold lace, and the epaulets of a general. This the huge King often wore upon state occasions. But war was no child's play with Kamehameha, he who subsequently aspired to capture Tahiti, thousands of miles away over seas. Thus in time of action, he was always dressed prepared to take a leading hand in the forefront of battle, if it came to the worst. It was but the work of a moment to throw off his war-cloak, leaving him with noth- ing but his new-fangled shirt, and the usual malo about the loins, worn by all men. In other days he fought in a complete state of nature ; but having now assumed that the weapon of man could never wound his body, the shirt was worn to hide the wound received at the cannonading, at the time of Cook's death for he was an actor in that scene, also to hide the scar from a paddle- blade made during a battle with Kiwalao. But more than all, it was worn to hide the deadly wound inflicted by yo-ung Kalani. when the Boy King made his raid on Hilo Bay and left the old King dead on his palace floor, from which death- swoon none but the divine Pele could have re- covered him. THE GIANT'S RAGE. 353 Seen, as now, with his lofty helmet upon his head, and clothed in his great mamo, so large that it trailed upon the ground, no one could look upon this herculean King without a thrill of admiration, at beholding such fine symmetry in one so massive. Kamehameha seemed gifted with an intellect as capacious as his body. When unbent from com- mand he seemed humane, and sagacious, and kind- hearted, and won instantly upon all who ap- proached him in such hours. Titanic in stature as he was, yet the great King awed one more by the eagle glance of his dark piercing eyes, and by a certain awful majesty of presence, than by his stupendous proportions. But seen as now, when his ire was lit up, till it flamed like that on Loa's brow, while he was re- ceiving Naihe's version of Boki's saucy reply to the demand for surrender, especially when he listened to Boki's sarcastic taunts about their being short of powder for the cannon as they really were his vast figure towered loftier than ever. His coal-black eyes flashed fire with every impre- cation he uttered, and his savage glances pene- trated the boldest chief who approached him in that moment. No wonder Naihe dreaded to take a saucy rebuff to his King, for his fury was fearful to look upon. His huge nostrils dilated, and rose and fell like a mettled charger's. And a savage, ruthless pride, and murderous meaning, was imparted to his every angry gesture. He belched forth his orders, 23 854 KALANI OF OAHU. voiced like the mutterings of an earthquake, so loud and hoarse and angry, that they echoed back from the jutting crags overhanging the camp of the foe, reverberating from cliff to cliff like remote thunder. All this display of savage frenzy, in the ferocious King, was seen to make a strong im- pression upon Kaiana and his Hawaiian deserters, which boded no good for Oahu's cause. But Kalani, being of a temperament incapable of fear, was seen to enjoy the frightful mood of his mammoth rival. Though the face of the Boy King was flushed, and his nostrils were dilated almost as much as were his foe's, yet it was the flush and quickened respiration of a born warrior, im- patient as a leashed hound for the coming clash of arms. Not in all those armies of heroic men was there a figure so noble, a presence so elegant and com- manding, a chief so calm and yet full of such con- centrated heroism, as Kalani, the lineal descendant of a long line of warrior kings. Descending from the Spanish cavalier, wrecked on Pele Point at Hawaii, centuries before Cook rediscovered the Islands, his hair, like that of most of his ancestors, had the wavy terminal curl of the noble Hidalgo of long ago. Boki, the next in rank to Kalani, was resolute, and as full of fiery ardor as ever, in spite of the preponderance of men and arms against them, yet he knew nothing of the prophetic doom that hung like an unseen pall over his beloved companion KAIANA. 355 and King. Kaumualii was as pale as his olive complexion would permit, for it was an open secret that the effeminate king of Kauai was no lover of war, and now seeing Kamehameha so savage for it was Napoleonic in that age for great leaders to personify rage on such occasions it had the effect to cause Katimualii's nervous fingers to un- consciously pluck the rare iiwi feathers from his kingly mamo, as a rejected lover pilfers the petals from his recent rose-gift. Kaiani stood sullen and savage beside Kalani, and being seven feet in height, had a little advan- tage of the King in that respect. The fiery chief was sumptuously arrayed in a rich red mamo ; for though a great chief, a mighty warrior and brother of a king, yet he was not of sufficient rank to wear the royal yellow a privilege only conferred upon kings. No one can envy Kaiana his situation or his feel- ings as lie stood there confronting his late lord and king ; a traitor, and deserter, from one who had ever been a kind benefactor to him. Now his con- science was rebuking him, for his military sagacity- must have convinced him that the Oahuans had a hopeless task, fighting against such great odds in numbers and discipline. He well knew that the battle must end in victory or death for him. All being in readiness to open the battle by en- deavoring to breach the ramparts, through which to assault the Oahuans, Kamehameha directed Young to open fire directly upon the coral wall, in 356 KALANI OF OAHU. line with Kalani and his group of chiefs upon the hill above. As the distance was short, and they could fire a plunging shot, every discharge from the battery told heavily upon the porous coral rock, until stone by stone were knocked steadily away ; and a good-sized opening was fast being made. Kamehameha now ordered up a column from each wing, to be held in readiness to advance be- fore the central column of assault, and draw the fire of the Oahuans before the real attack was made. Boki and Kaumualii were in command of the cen- tre and right wing, awaiting to oppose the threat- ened onset. Kalani and numerous chiefs still kept their position to overlook the coming assault. Kamehameha now called Young to his side, leav- ing Davis and other foreigners to keep up the can- nonade. Drawing his long two-edged sword, he pointed with his ponderous blade where stood Oahu's King and chiefs upon the hillside. History records Kamehameha as saying : " Young, my Puna Jiele (bosom-friend), see you where yon beetle-browned Traitor stands ? " 44 Ay! Sire. To the right of Oahu's gallant King." " I'm growing maddened, looking at the Villain ! Try your pretty guns on the Traitor, who stands there frowning upon his King arid benefactor. Kill me the troublesome fellow ! and you shall be made an Alii Kapu nui, upon the spot." " I'll try, my King ; but would you have me risk harming the noble Kalani ? " SEE WHERE THE TRAITOR STANDS I 357 " Kill me the big Kauaian ! " exclaimed the old king impetuously, 4t for I'm huhu nui! (much mad.) And let the gods protect Kalani." Returning to the battery, Young loaded his own favorite piece and elevated the gun to its utmost lift, high up over the rampart wall and the mass of heads arid spears beyond, until it trained upon the high ledge where stood Kalani and the chiefs. Kneeling on the grass, Yourfg trained his gun with the utmost precision upon the royal group, who, though witnessing all his doings, were far too proud and fearless to skulk behind the numerous shelter- ing rocks above and around them. Rising from the ground, Young swung his port- fire to impart more certain glow, freshened his priming and fired his gun. As the torch was ap- plied there came a flash, a double echo, and a crash resilient from crag to crag ; followed by a long- drawn reverberation converging back from the two mountain-walls of the valley. So dissonant and deafening were the sounds, that all were impressed that something had been struck and shattered, cre- ating a wild confusion among the Oahuans ; and causing a mournful, piteous wailing from their ranks, as if the King himself had been killed. But as yet the results could only be guessed, for the sulphurous smoke of the gun rolled in a gyrat- ing cloud over the scene now swayed to the one side by the demoniacal shouts of the invaders, and now recoiling back from the grievous wail of the afflicted rising at length slowly and majestically 358 KALANI OP OAHU. over the rampart wall, over the glittering spear- points of the soldiers, over the green grass plots and gray lava rocks, until it became evident that the ball had struck and splintered the rock whereon stood the King and Kaiana; leaving the one un- touched, while the other lay weltering in his gore dead on the day of his iniquity. Not another chief in all that dense group of nobles was harmed. Wild and delirious" were the shouts from ten thousand Hawaiian warriors, made joyous by the knowledge that Kaiana had fallen. For there are no public recreants more generally hated than a traitor ! a deservedly great soldier deserting his general in the hour of battle. Even Kamehameha flung up his gigantic arms with grim delight ; unbending for a moment from his savage frown, until his ugly visage lighted up with sardonic laughter as a distant storm-cloud may blush with fitful lightning in an hour of gath- ering wrath. But not for a moment did the ferocious king for- get the object of the hour, for instantly brandishing his glittering sword in the morning sun, he gave the preconcerted signal for the assault. And while yet the columns were hastening to the breach, the grim devotee turned his flashing black eyes upon the blue, volcanic flame on far-off Loa, and with extended arms reverently thanked the good Pele for her divine interposition in his favor, making his oblation aloud, in the savage gladness of his heart. Next to Pele, there was yet another to thank. DEATH OP KAIANA. 359 Flinging off his saffron-colored mamo upon the green-sward at his feet, and shaking his ponder- ous blade hungrily in the air as if his murder- ous heart was famishing for battle Kamehameha called lustily for Young. As he came from his bat- tery the King bade him kneel to receive his knight- hood, and title to the imperial rank of Kapu Alii Tabu Chief. As Young advanced, he exclaimed : " A Chief- dom ! Sire, I've laid the Traitor low ! " 44 Ay ! my Puua hele. He lies half torn in two ; cleft well as our good blade could do. Good Pele sent the missile there, the beautiful Goddess of Kilauea. Kneel, haole maikai (good foreigner), though time be brief, we name you Keone Ana ! Chief ! a noble and a brave. Now up and bat- ter down yon wall, for we begin to war-like feel, and would have at them if at all." From Ana's shoulder snatched his sword, That just had made him noble lord ; Rough shook its blade of pond'rous length As if he longed to try its. strength. Turning to the Chief of his central column, who yet waited the King's signal to advance, the elated old Monarch shouted : "Ehele! Hawaii! " (advance, Hawaii!) "Who wins yon breach the battle wins ! " His hoarse voice rang loud above the utmost clang of battle, as a hundred lusty chiefs sprang to the front, and led their spears-men serf into the ragged opening through the rampart wall ; until a 360 KALANI OF OAHU. thousand wolfish men were pressing on to enter where not fifty could pass in line. Such was the favorable opening for the Hawai- ians, arid the ominous dread thrown over the allied armies of Oahu, that every serf belonging to Kai- ana's deserters, followed by thousands from among the Oahuans, broke ranks and fled over the far end of the rampart, and up the Nuuanu to the Pali's gorge ; flying with a panic-stricken terror that lent the utmost speed to their sudden flight. Grief and uncontrollable indignation filled Ka- lani and his chiefs, to behold the paltry cowards run so prematurely, before even a blow had been struck to mar their ranks except the death of Kaiana. But around the breach the great chiefs drew, gathering undismayed about their young King who had led them to battle so often, and for hours the clash of steel and the rattle of spears rang high. It mattered little how impetuously the disci- plined Hawaiians flung themselves into the breach, or attempted to scale the rampart wall ; they were everywhere met with equal bravery and equal skill for long hours of terrible conflict. The rude shel- ter behind which the Oahuans fought, made their lesser numbers long able to resist the ceaseless on- set of fresh Hawaiians, which Kamehameha con- tinued to hurl with savage fury against the breach. Thus the forenoon passed, and thousands lay dead or wounded about the broken wall ; yet un- glutted war still raged with unabated fury. Un< BOKI AND LELEHA. 361 daunted the trained Hawaiians sprang into the breach, and unweariedly were they hewn down by the great chiefs of the allied armies, who toward the last were compelled to take the front of battle. By Boki's side his fair Leleha fought, serving her blows with skill, and defending herself and him she loved with a subtle cunning known to but few stalwart braves. The foe who doth her Chief as- sail is sure to feel Leleha's spite. And whoever in that fierce melee aimed an ungallant blow at Boki's spouse, feels Boki's avenging blow upon his undefended head, and falls to fight no more, So would the brindled Lion fight, Should hounds try fierce his mate to tear ; Thus show his whelpless mate her might On all who dare invade their lair. On high was heard Kalani's voice, checking or cheering his overwilling chiefs. His orders rang like bugle-notes, clear and shrill over the din of battle. Not often was his strong and skilful arm needed to take part in the varying fight. But when the valorous King did see a foeman worthy of his steel come slashing his murderous way though all who were opposing him, then Kalani's flashing mamo was from his shoulder cast, and wild and wicked were the deeds of daring our Keiki Moi accomplished. With the breach free from such untoward pres- sure, Kalani would fall back to his place of obser- vation and again direct the battle along the line ; but with ever an impulse to spring forward again 362 KALANI OP OAHU. whenever another great chief of unusual skill suc- ceeded in breaking through the mad waves of frenzied men and gleaming steel. Resuming his mamo, which some chief had looked after, and sheathing his dripping sword, the young King would seek out some position to overlook the defence, from which he could send reinforce- ments here and there as need demanded. Once Keone Ana and Kalani fought for a mo- ment ; Young, exulting with his new rank, having hewn his way through the breach. But these two most skilled swordsmen were soon forced apart before either had half the fight they wished in which to show their skill. For the surrounding chiefs each side fearful for their loved leader pressed forward in eager haste, compelling the two cunning combatants to separate and fall back, or seek some meaner foe. For it was not a time to waste one's skill on special choice ; but an hour in which to lay your nearest neighbor low, and bide your time to show your skill on some proud head of more exalted breed. It was soon after discovered that Keone Ana had been recalled from the breach, and was planting his battery against the extreme right wing of the rampart. Keeaumoku being left to assail the breach, while Kamehameha had himself gone to make a new opening, having his body-guards in reserve if needed. This precaution showed a real meaning to break through the rampart instead of being the feint it was thought to be. LUKA LUA ! LUKA LUA ! 363 Kauraualii was reinforced with all his Kauains, and left to meet the emergency as best he could, as it might prove to be only a feint to draw off some of the best troops from the main battle. An hour passed, and a new breach was opened. Then a furious assault was made by the guard, led on by Kamehameha himself, sweeping all before them in an instant. Hark to the mad yells that fill the new-made breach ! Hark to Kamehameha's giant tread ! the hugest monster of all among his thousand guards. The " Lonely One " has come to teach the swiftest blow to heart and head. His very shout appalls ! bellowing hoarser than adjacent thunder throwing a sudden palsy over the already defected Kauains, who fall confusedly back to the right hand and the left, crying out like cravens, " Luka lua ! Luka lua ! " beaten, beaten ! and surren- der with a cry for mercy. Kaumualii, being slightly wounded in the attack, was taken prisoner by Kamehameha himself. This was a consummation more to the liking of the timid young King of Kauai than fighting such a tigerish foe, for which he had little constitutional taste at any time. Before night this feminine young King contrived to escape to Kauai, and lived to rule years over his Island Kingdom.* * Years after Kamehameha gathered an army of seven thou- sand well-equipped men to take Kauai, but a contagious disease assailed them, and broke up the expedition. But fourteen years after the battle of Nuuanu, Kaumualii came voluntarily in 364 KALANI OF OAHU. Thus the battle of Nunanu was lost in an instant through the feeble resistance of the Kauaians, com- manded by their cowardly King. Kalani saw what had happened, and well knowing that his deci- mated forces could not contend in open field with the well-drilled Hawaiians, called Boki and Paao to his side. It was at once decided to call off their remaining warriors, and retreat steadily up the valley to the Pali. This was the favorite gorge which they had previously chosen, where the few could meet the many, and where they could hold out to the last man, yielding the inaccessible Pass only with their lives. When it was known among the worn and wounded remnant of Oahu's army that Kameha- meha had broken through their rampart, round the hill to the right, and that he was leading his awful guard of herculean warriors down upon their rear, at least another thousand of Oahu's timid serfs broke ranks and ran for their lives. But there yet remained to Kalani four hundred invincible chiefs who loved the clang of battle as they loved their lives ; these, with nearly a thou- sand acceptable warriors, were now called off from defending the breach, and led by a mountain path around the left wing of the rampart, leaving the an American ship, and ceded his island to Kamehameha, who reinstated him as King to rule in fiefdom. But Liholiho, Kame- hameha II., afterward abducted Kaumualii, and married both him and his son to his father's "Love Queen," Kaahumanu, keeping him a state prisoner. RETREATING TO THE PALI. 365 whole Hawaiian army to crowd through the de- serted breach, and take possession of the camp. By doing this the Hawaiians lost their only op- portunity of heading off the retreat of the Oahuans to their stronghold in the Pali. But it was not supposed Kalani designed retreating up the valley, but rather over the mountain into the district of Waialua, and thence, perhaps, to Ewa Bay, where he might have had canoes stationed to take him and his army to Kauai. This plan was feasible, but that his plan had ever been from the first in- ception to retreat to the Pali, and there fight to the death, defending the last rood of his dear van- quished land. " HARK ye, my braves ! " His dark eyes shone, His voice was like a bugle-tone ; He looked to th' white man's God on high For aid divine, yet knew not why ; But soft within his heathen heart The voice of God was then impart. He kissed his blade, all dun with gore, As in the Pali's gorge he swore : *' Hark ye, my braves ! I swear to all On this red brand my father wore This sword I oft have stained with gore Here will we fighting win or fall ! Who would not rather fight and die Beneath some fond and loving eye, Than make them blush to see us fly ? " He paused for breath : his chieftains cheer, And swear to die the death of braves; Saw down the vale their foes appear, And sent the loved ones to their slaves. " They come ! my chiefs ; hark ! to their hateful call ; 'Tis true our little band is small, And Hawaii's warriors strong and many ; But there '11 be less of us to fall, And few to tell the tale if any ! Now let each blade to battle leap ! In foeman's heart each steel shall sleep ! Let every arm, with latest blow, Pierce to the hilt some hated foe ! " 366 CHAPTER XIX. HEN the Hawaiians saw that Kalani had fairly withdrawn his forces along a nar- row mountain path, where not more than three abreast could follow, they be- lieved he was fleeing not only from the camp, but was endeavoring to leave the Island. Thus Karne- hameha sent on Keeaumoku with his division of two thousand strong, to harass the retreat and dis- cover Kalani's destination. The remaining part of the Hawaiian army were suffered to occupy the camp of Oahu, and partake of such food as could be found for famished men. But what was their surprise and annoyance to soon after observe Kalani's army leaving the western mountain side, and crossing over the Nuuanu in the direction of the Pali, which, it was at once surmised, had been fortified and provisioned for a siege. The Hawaiians were at once called off from their half-eaten dinner, re-formed, and sent on in hasty pursuit, with orders to overtake and give battle to the fugitives, with a determined purpose to crush the little army before they could reach the moun- tain Pass. Kalani had debouched into the valley 367 368 KALANI OF OAHTT. through a narrow pass easily defended by his small rear-guard in charge of Boki ; thus Keeaumoku was held in check while the main body crossed over the Nuuanu on their way up to Waolani's sheltering Pass. Kamehameha, Keone Ana, and Hewahewa the High Priest, remained behind with the Guard to finish their dinner, for all believed the main fight- ing was over, and that Kalani's design was only to secure a mountain covert from which he could make better terms of surrender. Thus even the Hawaiian King deemed the day was won, and remained leis- urely behind, smoking, and relating valorous inci- dents of the storming of the rampart, little dream- ing that more than two thousand of his warriors must yet fall before Oahu's heroic King was sub- dued in death. When Kalani saw the Hawaiians leave the camp on the double-quick, endeavoring to cut him off, he feared for his rear-guard, which was holding Keeau- moku at bay. Halting in a strong position which covered his retreat to the Pali, he sent back a swift runner with orders for Boki to withdraw and fall quickly back upon the main army which awaited him ; for he chose to risk a battle, rather than the safety of his loved commander. By a swift retreat Boki succeeded in reaching a position within supporting distance of the King, and then fell steadily back until the Oahuans were all combined once more, and they might have fallen quickly back into the protection of the Pali. But KALANI IN ACTION. 369 because the now concentrated force of Hawaiians pressed on so heedlessly, as though following a rout of panic-stricken foes, Kalani mano3uvred, and drew them into a position where he could hold both flanks with ambushed columns, and then brought to a stand and closed in upon the unsuspecting enemy and terrible was the slaughter that followed. Planting himself in the very fore-front of his cen- tral column of huge chiefs, 'the finest fighters in the world, Kalani sought not to spare himself in the least. Hewing his way into the thickest of the melee, he smote the foe who nearest pressed ; and as many a daring chief leaped from the Hawaiian ranks to cross swords with Oahu's gallant King, many a noble warrior went down in that hour be- fore the resistless blows of him who was famed to be the finest fighter among their Isles. Though it is evident that Kalani brought on the battle before reaching the Pass, with intent to make it his last fight, yet survivors tell us that never seemed the Boy King so cool and wary as in that awful slaughter. Like a row of monstrous Glad- iators stood his great chiefs around him, striking no blows at random to waste their strength ; but where they smote, the leaping crimson ran, until the dead bodies of noble chieftains strewed the mountain path by which Kalani retreated. Brave, worn, and wounded, Kalani and his chiefs withdrew at length from sheer exhaustion, so over- pressed by numbers. Their footsteps dyed the green herbage and mountain flowers along the 24 370 KALANI OF OAHU. path they climbed, still face to the foe ; their drip- ping wounds pooling their noble blood upon the rocks wherever they stood at bay. Thus they fought, and then retreated, until of all their thousands arrayed in order of battle at dawn, there were now but three hundred chiefs remaining, though numbering their noblest and their best, together with a few hundred wounded warriors from the ranks, men already too sickened to fight more, from loss of strength and loss of courage. At length in Waolani's rock-ribbed Pass they stand a heroic band of large-limbed, large-hearted braves. Though weary and wounded, and hope- less to win the day, yet still devoted to their young King, with a barbaric love that surpasseth the wish for life or the love of woman. It was a sight to draw tears from the gray lava rocks about them to see those gnarled old warriors ever seeking to guard their Keiki Moi the image of their old king throughout the sickening slaughter of that memorable day. Without know- ing that he was seeking death with every onset of the battle, how they watched to guard him, their only hope in battling now being to save him from the covert harm that every foe aimed at his breast. When once Kalani's little band was safely within the deep, cool mountain Pass, with the unassailable crags and jutting peaks of Waolani towering above and behind them, where fifty men could keep a thousand at bay, then the murderous LOVE FOR KALANI. 371 Hawaiians called a halt, and fell back to re-form and organize for a swift succession of the desperate assaults which Keeaumoku who was in com- mand saw would be required to win the day. For well the Hawaiian leaders knew that their fierce old King would suffer them no rest until the last of the brave Oahuans were dead or routed beyond recall. When Kalani had formed his little band of chiefs into a forlorn hope, consisting of six lines of fifty men each, and saw that the Hawaiians had fallen back out of view, after the touch of terrible slaugh- ter they had encountered, he ordered his weary warriors to snatch what rest they could during the brief respite allowed them. Turning his dark eyes upward to the rough crag that leaned with a savage friendliness out into the gloomy gorge above his head, he discovered his darling Queen among her maidens, together with thousands of other wahine wives, mothers, and daughters, clinging wherever a cliff or tree afforded shelter. And the King called Jto Kupule and her maidens to come down. Instantly Kupule began the descent with a hun- dred other women who saw husbands or brothers below, ^bringing with them water and fruit from the cool forest, and fruit in abundance for the famished warriors. Not one that came - but had loved friends among these battle-scarred heroes. Setting the example for his chiefs by freeing himself from sword-belt and mamo, Kalani flung 372 KALANI OF OAHU. himself wearily down upon the scanty herbage of grass and flowers resting under the crisp shadow of the beetling crag, with the strong trades yet blowing merrily through the deep gorge which opened out at the Pali high above the inrolling sea a short distance beyond. Soon the grief-stricken women, headed by Ku- pule, made their appearance in the ravine, and sprang down among their dear wounded ones, dis- tributing food and drink with deep solicitude in every eye. Kneeling in a pool of her royal lover's blood, there among the frenzied warriors whose only thoughts were of further murderous deeds, their very faces grown wolfish with the terrible slaughter of that day, Kupule supplied food to the King, while Manona and Lelu bound the ti leaf upon his gaping wounds^ the loving Queen stripping up her own tapa covering for her King and his chiefs to bind upon their wounds. It was a sight, never to be forgotten, to behold that fair young creature so crushed by her speech- less grief, murmured neither with lip nor eye, sat- isfied only to pressing her fond kisses upon the dear hand that stroked her black tresses and patted her pallid cheeks in passing token that he knew her to be there. But too well she knew Kalani's tongueless sorrow in that hour. Weary, haggard smiles were the best the war-worn monarch could bestow upon his darling, so weakened by his wounds, and just then so exhausted by his super- human efforts during the last hour's retreat. AWAITING THE FOE. 373 Though Kalani gave no hopes of saving the land, yet he calmly spoke of the rivers of blood that must yet flow. But when he suffered his fond gaze to dwell too long upon the soft eyes and grief-stricken face before him, his thoughts of leav- ing his darling in such an hour choked his utter- ance, and made his olive cheeks ashy and wet with unseemly tears such as his kingly eyes had never wept before. Soon a scout came running up the mountain path, reporting the Hawaiians coming up the Nuu- anu in immense force, led on by Naihe, with Kame- hameha and Keeaumoku following with the guards. On the instant Kalani was up with glowing cheeks and flashing eyes as full of undaunted valor as ever. When Kupule had helped to buckle on his sword- belt, and put on his mamo ; Kalani snatched a kiss and one brief look into her dear eyes so human, yet so divine and sent her away to her eyrie, there to watch the last act in the drama of con- quest the death-battle of her King! Turning to his war-scarred Chiefs as they caught up their arms, and rose slowly from the ground so stiffened by their wounds as to make them dis- pirited by the hopeless task before them Kalani endeavored to instil something of his owii enthu- siasm into the grim old veterans of his father's day. As he looked down the Nuuanu and saw the dense masses of freshly organized Hawaiians, ea- gerly advancing to the frivolous music of the bam- 374 KALANI OF OAHtJ. boo fifes and the circubita drums, coming with the fell purpose of crushing his little band at one mad swoop, then his great heart beat wildly, and his dark eyes lighted as with flames, at thought of the opportunity now presenting to carve his kingly name on the rock-hewn battlefield of the Pali, where grand old Waolani should pinnacle his fame unto the remotest ages. Kindling with the uprising spirit of his own her- oism, Kalani's dark eyes shone as with the sudden frenzy of a madman ; flashing at times with such glances of leaping light as to awe the irresolute ones about him, as with the awful mandate of a god. It was thus he had often inspired those of kindred mettle with a resolution as vaulting as his own. As Kalani addressed his blood-stained chiefs in that dark hour, it is asserted by those upon the crags above for not one below lived to tell the tale that his resonant voice rung through the gorge like a war-bugle sounding to the charge ! And it is also said that, prompted by souie sweet impulse yet an impulse so differently interpreted he suddenly turned his eyes heavenward, look- ing up through the mountain crags to the sum- mer sky and the white man's God, as if reverently appealing for divine aid in that terrible hour. Can it be that he knew not to whom he appealed? that he knew not why he sought another Deity than Pele, in that awful moment of existence ? Who will believe it ? Not I ! Let us rather believe that softly within his KALANl'S ADDRESS. 375 heathen heart so roused by the magnetic im- pulse of the hour there breathed the still small voice of the Almighty Father, that comes to us all alike in the one supreme moment of prescience during last hours of dissolution. It was noticed that neither love nor fear of the heathen Goddess of the nation found place in his soul after that awful moment of battle-frenzy and religious fer- vor, as he thus addressed his savage and sullen Chiefs : " Hark ye, my Braves ! " And his voice was like a tempest's when storming along the sea. " Here in this gorge let us swear to win or die ! I, upon this good brand my kingly father wore in all his hundred battles with these same hated foes ; given me to wear with honor, or render up with heroic death, I swear it, by a new Deity you know not of my battle-GOD ! and my KUPULE !- You swear by your own loved ones yonder, cling- ing like maimed birds to the rocks and crags of Waolani. " Who of you would not rather fight and die be- neath those fond eyes of our loved ones, than have them blush to see us fly ? Who will not joy with me to here meet the foe, so walled in by friendly cliffs they cannot pass ; for farther upward even we cannot go, unless like yonder craven serfs we'd leap as many will the dizzy Pali's steep ! " He paused for breath, and joyed to hear his sav- age Chieftains cheer, and swear alike on sword and spear ! by Lono and by Pele ! to die with their 376 KALANI OF OAHU. Boy King the gallant death of Braves ! Looking down the valley, round the curve of the ravine, the front rank could behold the near approach of the exultant Hawaiians ; could see them handle their long spears for sudden use ; and watch them draw their glimmering swords with a swaggering leer, prompted by thoughts of easy conquest. Ob- serving the small esteem in which the Hawaiians held them, Kalani could not forbear yet one word more to rouse his noble warriors : " See ! they come, my Chiefs. Hark, to their insulting calls ! 'Tis true our little band is small, and Hawaii's fresh forces strong and many; but there'll be less of us to fall, and few to tell the tale if any ! Now let each blade to battle leap ! Let each strong arm with latest blow pierce to the hilt some hated foe ! " And Kalani shook his ponderous blade in the saddening sunlight, that hung low down in the western sky, and raised his flashing eyes to the crag above for one last look from Kupule ; who, dear soul, answered back with but a haggard smile, though a low cheer came rippling down from her chieftain maidens, ambushed among the shaggy wood-growth of the cliff. Whoever has seen a couchant tiger ambushed in his native jungle, ready for a spring upon the ap- proaching foe ; seen his green eyes flashing with demoniacal rage ; his ruffled tail swaying to and fro with nervous tension ; his huge flexor muscles working taut and vibrant as bowstrings ; may con- THE KINGLY GLADIATOR. 377 ceive something of the concentric hate and fiery ardor of Oahu's outraged King, when thus driven to the mountains by his powerful antagonist. Kalani stood there at bay like a tawny gladiator who accepts his fate, but who grows maddened insane with impatience at the swaggering ap- proach of his foe, and the tardy prolongation of his doom. The withering curl of his kingly lips was moulded in intenest scorn of all that vast array of might and skill, coming pouring up the Nuuanu to assail his haggard, wounded few. His dark eyes flashed with electric gleams, raying the shadow- gloom in which he stood with brighter than sun- ray, where it glinted the mountain cataract above ; whose dismal roar dwelt in his ear in hoarse unison with his rage ! Standing thus, poised for battle, ready to spring upon the first comer, in search of the one only brainal alleviant murder of his foe delay intensified his mania, and augmented his muscles into countless drawn bows, intent to hurl their impatient arrows of wrath ! As the enemy approached very near, Kalani sprang one step in advance of his chiefs to give his sword-arm better sweep, and show the hated Ha- waiians with what kindling relish he awaited their coming. Instantly six long spears were at him flung, with an unerring aim that never missed their mark. This furious assault made it earnest work for Kalani to defend himself, until the contending forces could come into the hand-to-hand conflict that he sought. 378 KALANI OP OAHU. The first spear Kalani caught in his left hand, and with it parried four others careering them skyward ever keeping his sword-hand fast on his weapon ready for instant use. Dropping the first spear, which had been flung by Naihe the com- mander, Kalani caught the sixth one, flung by a tall and swarthy chief, hideous in visage as Kame- hameha himself. Turning the spear-point to the front, Kalani hurled it back with inconceivable swiftness, through and through the great savage who had cast it, who fell with a yell of pain ; and he thus became the first corpse in the human foundation of that memorable rampart of slaugh- tered foes. Then followed the fearful clash of arms, too con- fused and chaotic ever to be described, too horri- ble to depict by any other symbol of warfare than that of the two thousand dead, subsequently heaped up together in this never-to-be forgotten battle of the Pali. Then smote the kingly sword that struck for love and fame. Then struck many a noble chief, whose only thought in battling was to save their young Keiki Moi loved better than life, and home, and friends. Some fought in that hour for the dear loved ones who looked sorrowfully down with frenzied eyes from Waolani's jutting crags. Some battled for their loved homes in the dear enchanting valley below. Some fought because others fought around them ; because it had been the pleasure and the pastime of their long barbaric lives ; the LOVE FOR THE KING. 379 one murderous joy sufficiently brutal to reach down into their strong hearts. With these callous- hearted ones there abided no love of home, no yearning need of friends sufficient to awaken such exemplarious valor as they here displayed. They played at battle as aimless women play at battle- door, or gamesters play at chance. Their pride of life lay in their cunning fence, and the murder- ous quality of their unerring blows. Good soldiers these : but cautious men, who take admirable heed of their own heads not of the King's. Such men were assigned to the flanks, and there they fought, impervious as the rocky gorge they were set to defend. Not so with the chivalrous Boki and many another large-hearted chief about the King, who, failing with his swift defensive sword to ward off two murderous slashes aimed at once upon his King, flung up his bare left arm and took the savage blow meant for his loved young Monarch's head, and fought on from that hour with his left arm lopped off at the wrist; while the wifely Leleha thrust home her girlish rapier into the bosom of him who thus maimed her dear loved lord. Thus with Paao, the aged warrior-Priest, who in long past years had fought bravely for Titeere, as he now fought with tender affection for his old King's son. The life of the brave Kapu Alii was perilled an hundred times that day striving to save his loved Kalani. Twice was his aged breast 380 KALANI OF OAHU. offered to shield the King's from random spears, flung by some of the rear ranks over the heads of those fighting before them. What a sight of horror was all this when seen by fond mothers from the mountain above; what a cold thrill crept over the heart of the young wife who witnessed her maimed husband totter and stagger and fall, to be trampled upon by friend and foe alike, in the brutal haste to glut their inhuman lust for blood. One scents the fresh flowing gore in sickening odor reeking up from the gorge as a thousand cruel heart-stabs gloat the mountain air, as when a furious wind- demon sweeps bellowing over the sea, tattering the frothy wave-crests into sibilant spray, and filling the landsman's nostril with a saline flavor that awes his timid soul with the storm ! Ah ! who can portray such a murderous en- counter ? Who fill your ear with the confusive dins of such awful revelry? What pen so graphic as to possess your mind with the possible charm of such warfare ; the wild, delirious joy of thus battling on the toppling border of death ! fighting for the loved ones for freedom for the dear native land \ when thus assailed by a hated In- vader? And yet many of these Hawaiians, who lead the assault, fall and give place to other as eager assailants; yet they fight for none of these senti- ments. War is their vocation, and they fight as eagerly as hungry curs fight for possession of a bone. THE FRENZY OF BATTLE. 381 Hark ! to the shouts of Oahu's banded chiefs ; shouts duplicated by a thousand answering spirits of the place, as the wild echoes call back from cliffs and crags and caverned dens in the moun- tain wilds. Yell and echo alike being carried, wind-blown, by the rush of trades through the gorge down upon the mad sea of upturned faces below. The low-lying sun the last to Kalani bathes his hot face with its farewell glory, lighting the ponderous blows of his swift- falling sabre as it flashes over his head and falls crashing into his naked foes. Still the enemy press eagerly up over their dead companions, infatuated with the cruel wish to slay the King ; this Boy-Monarch who thus stands fighting for his liberty and his life ; the new-found God, and She dearer than all else ! the darling of his heart ! Not always did Kalani wait for the over-eager Hawaiians to climb over the dead heap and reach his lines. But as some huge war-chief of great re- nown came staggering up over his slaughtered companions, savage for re-venge, while yet he raised his ponderous arm to cast his spear, totter- ing with unsteady foothold on the dead, Kalani would spring up over the rampart of dead foes with the bound of a leopard, ward off the chief's clumsily managed barb, and lunge his hungry steel, with a lightning plunge, into his unsteady foe ! springing back unharmed to his place in the ranks again. 382 KALANI OP OAHTJ. How wild were the friendly shouts at such heroic exploits as these, not only from his own surround- ing chiefs, but from thousands of women and aged men perched among the rocks above. So swift at times fell the sabre-blows of the chiefs, that they glowed in the torrid sunlight continuous gleams of lightning-flashes, often bathing the gray rocks of Waolani in seeming flames of leaping firelight. But, alas, what availed the scores and hundreds of dead Hawaiians that fell, where other eager hundreds continued to rush up in an unbroken wave of glittering spears and savage shark-swords ? Well were there need for the multitude of prayers said for Kalani by the horror-stricken women on the cliffs above ; for where one spear was cast at any other chief in the ranks, there were ten thrown at the naked breast of the Boy King. But with the one-armed Boki on the one side, aided by the keen- eyed Leleha and a dozen more ; and with Paao, Ka- hiko, and Owaiee on the other, all eager not only to defend him with their weapons, but also ready to thrust even their own bodies between their Boy King and danger, together their affectionate watchfulness bad saved him from all but flesh- wounds until now. But in other ways was Kalani reminded of the love of his people. Once he lost his foothold, and fell on the topmost pile of fallen dead, having just stricken down the leading chief. Instantly a wild wail of agony rang out over the Pali from all the thousand voices on Waolani ; rolling down the AN INCIDENT. 383 Nuuanu to Kamehameha's ear like an avalanche of sorrow. Hearing this, it was deemed by all that the day was won by the fall of the King. But before Boki and Kahiko could spring to his aid, Kalani was up again ; slaying two great chiefs who were rushing up to impale him where he lay, killing each with a single blow by two lightning sweeps of his sword. This act showed to his sorrowing people that their young King was un- harmed. Then rose the counter-shouts of joy in utmost tempo, rending the blood-smeared air with deafen- ing applause ; rising like a billow of lark-songs into the summer sky ! How full of blended reverence for Pele and Lono, and all the mythological deities were those shouts ! so brim with that magnetic acclamation for heroism which ever wells up with unmistakable spontaneity from the hearts of the loved ones ! Kamehameha had no need to ask what meant this sudden revocation of their grief; his remark to Keone Ana covered the whole ground as interpreted to a distant ear : " Kalani had but fallen ; but has risen again. The fools, to make such an outcry! " Hark, now, to the mad yells of the on-rushing Hawaiians, so frenzied by these joy-shouts that meant not only joy for the rescued King, but a scornful derision of his enemies, who had as yet proved so futile in their utmost efforts. How press the invaders to the front, every chief cog- nizant of the black rage of their old king as the 384 KALANI OP OAHU. derisive shouts of the Oahuans reach his ear ! Listen to the whir and hum of their blood-thirsty spears, flung whistling through the air by the fren- zied arms of savage men ! Alas ! alas ! what power can save Oahu's little band from such clouds of flying barbs ? If but one spear strikes its human mark, so that the cool eye of the Oahuan Chief becomes less wary for an in- stant, failing to duck and dip and dodge with the swiftness of thought, heavens ! how fast follow a score of other spears into his naked breast, until he falls, bristling with spear-staffs ! Still the ranks of the Oahuans are not broken for an instant, for as one chief falls or tires, another springs with mad haste to the front, filling the gap eagerly as a blood, hound for the fray. But so narrow is the entrance to the Pass, only permitting ten assailants to fight abreast, while fifty Oahuans can serve on the defensive, owing to the sudden widening of the gorge, that the advantage is greatly with the defenders. Thus they stand like a wall of rock against the inrolling wave of fresh foemen. But the red blood trickles down the muscular sides of their naked bodies as they occasionally miss a spear and receive a flesh-wound therefrom. But not one wound nor many can in- duce the brave chiefs to leave their places until the fatal wound pierces them, and they fall in their tracks, content to die the death they have fought for. Some there were who fought until they could no A PAUSE IN THE BATTLE. 385 longer keep their places in the ranks, but rather than pass to the rear, and die by inches, with yet undying hatred of the foe they would creep snake- like upon the heap of dead foes, draw their long daggers, and await with eyes blurred with death to stab whomsoever came within reach of their dying hands ; thus fighting upon the dead heap until the fast-falling enemy buried them in a living tomb. At length there came a pause in the ceaseless battle, caused by the demoralized Hawaiians be- ing called off to prepare for some more concen- trated effort to save the day. Thus Kalani and his few remaining chiefs were left to stanch their wounds and refresh themselves for a brief half hour, though momentarily expecting the reappear- ance of the enemy. Could another such three hundred heroes be now put into the Pass, it is possible that the Hawaiians would have been unable to complete their conquest of the Island. But that could not be, for there were not another such three hundred among all the group, much less could any suitable material be found among the panic-stricken army hidden away in the Pali beyond. 25 THE flowers bloom in the tropic sun Where fell the King in that awful hour; Perfume and die, as they grieve for one Who died that day in his pride and pow'r ! The birds flit out from the Pali's dell, Their whole lives long they have sung his praise ; As they sing the charms of the Queen, who fell Heart-broken with grief where her lover lays. So sings the sea, with its sad refrain, Where rolls its surf on the Koolau shore : But never a song for the cowards slain, Spear-tost by the Guards, from the cliff flung o'er. Though grass is green, and the flowers bright, Where died the Serfs who desert that day ; Yet grim are the ghosts who invade the night To curse the spot where the cowards lay. CHAPTER XX. HE day was now fast drawing to a close, as the last assaulting force of Hawaiians were seen pressing on up the Nuuanu, led by the gallant Englishman, Keone Ana. He was coming at the head of Kaineha- meha's own personal guard of gigantic warriors. This new attacking column consisted of a fresh body of Hawaii's bravest and most expert spears- men. They pressed on in silence, with long, eager strides, wearing a look of sullen, savage determina- tion in their dark faces, that was foreboding and dreadful to look upon. Not a tap of the drum, nor a note of the fife, awoke the surly echoes of frowning crag or moun- tain forest. Only the heavy measured tread of a thousand large, fierce men, who had never yet failed to break through or override any force they had been sent against. They were all men chosen for their previous deeds of courage and carnage, of enormous strength and monstrous proportions ; many of them being petty chiefs, and having the prowess of three common men in a hand-to-hand conflict ; a chosen body of heroes, who needed not 387 388 KALANI OF OAHU. the cheap accessary of martial music to whet their courage for battle. On came this famous Guard, more like famished wolves hungering for a feast of blood, than human combatants. A cruel, brutal set of savages as a whole, with nothing in life so gladdening their blood-thirsty hearts as battling to the death with few or many of their kind. Yet why Young was sent in command of such a column of murderous savages, instead of Keeau- moku, their general, none could tell. Keone Ana was a man of mercy, a kind-hearted, gallant foe. It was surmised that Young came with the Guard with an offer of peace ; but, alas, peace offered at the spear-spoint " Accept it, or die ! " As the Guard came nearer, Kalani rose up and assumed command again, weakened by loss of blood and stiffened by his wounds, as were all others of his band. Together they cleared the Pass of its dead, by heaping up their ghastly ram- part breast-high. They had, hours since, been de- prived of their first and most favorable position, by the constant encroachment of the dead, which crowded them back up the gorge, until now there was a width permitting the enemy to approach fifty abreast; a great disadvantage for Kalani's few remaining braves. Though haggard and worn from his previous herculean efforts, and bleeding from many ghastly wounds, yet Kalani was still full of courage and eager to fight it out to the last. His few remain- THE COMING " GUARD." 389 ing chiefs gathered cheerfully about him, with an expression of anxious love for their King, such as no other act in life could test like this. Not the remotest thought of escape or surrender entered the hearts of any. It was a cheering thought to think what they had accomplished. One by one they had resisted and cut down the numerous forces of the foe ; but now their position was less favorable, their num- bers few, and their strength ebbing fast away. All knew the character of the invincible giants now sent against them, yet all were eager for a per- sonal test of the fighting quality of this renowned Guard of chosen warriors. As Kalani assumed his former position in front, and stood awaiting the coming Hawaiians, leaning wearily upon his long sword, whose point pressed upon the naked breast of a huge chief of his kill- ing, he turned his dark eyes tenderly upward upon Kupule among her group of maidens, sitting upon the overhanging crag thirty feet above his head. The hiding-place of the Queen had been in the rear when the fight began, but now, owing to the encroaching dead, the Queen sat in front of the line of battle just formed across the Pass. With a gleam of gladness Kupule's fond eyes answered back to Kalani's loving gaze ; but oh, how sad were those gentle eyes, how pinched with agony of inward grief was the winsome face of his darling, as she pressed her small clenched hands upon her beating heart with futile endeavor to 390 KALANI OF OAHTJ. still the wild upheaval of her garmentless bosom ! For too well Kupule knew the inevitable result impending, now that her father's ferocious Guard was sent to finish up the day. When the Hawaiians had approached very near, Young took a side position and bade the Guard, " E hele ! Hawaii ! " (advance, Hawaii !) And while the savage monsters were yet mounting over the wide rampart of dead, Kalani looked up to Kupule with his last look, and called out his last farewell: "Aloha! Kupule." And he too pressed his sword-hilt upon his upheaving heart, striving with hilt and hands to keep down the strong agony within. " Aloha ! Kalani," was her reply ; adding, " Let me come down to you, my darling ? We who love so should die together ! " But the King had only time to wave her a negative reply with his sword, as the front ranks of the Guard came thundering into action with the onset of a tempest ; pressing back the whole line of Oahuans at first with the very preponderance of their strength and weight and concerted action. How echoed the caverned places of Waolani with the demoniacal yells of those gigantic mon- sters ! Hoarser than the crescendo of an earth- quake were the awful maledictions of those thou- sand unearthly voices, blended in hellish concert of madness ; louder than the frightful bellowing of a tempest less destructive than they. But >nce settled to their work, the Guard did their ONSET OF THE GUARD. 391 fighting silently and sullenly, as their severe dis- cipline demanded. How rang the contending steel of Oahu's noble Chieftains in that hour, though many of the fore- most line went down in that first terrible onset. And how the Boy King escaped in that fray, the angels alone can tell, unless, as many supposed, the Guards were ordered to take him alive. After the first terrific shock the banded chiefs could not be moved by all the fury of successive assaults, and gradually struck down the foremost comers and gained their late position near the rampart of dead. It was a moment full of such glory as imparts su- perhuman strength to heroic hearts when moulded to receive it, a moment of exultant, delirious joy, to those brave defenders, grown battle-mad as they witnessed the successive failure of each new onset of their gigantic foe, who never since their formation had been so held in check before. Those who witnessed these last frenzied hours of Kalani's battle, shudder with newly awakened horror while they relate the awful carnage wit- nessed among their loved ones ; though often their blear old eyes brighten at thought of many a knightly deed accomplished by that fast falling band of heroes, as they dropped one by one riddled with spears, about their King. And it is ever with a wail of woe, and a furtive look of fear, that they depict the fall of one ven- erable white-head, the great Tabu-Priest of the 392 KALANI OF OAHU. land. For at length Paao, the finest swordsman about his King, went mad with desperation, fight- ing so fiercely with the hot sun upon his over- wrought brain. Standing in the front rank beside Kalani, where, because of his exalted priesthood many a superstitious warrior dare not assail him, suddenly Paao ceased all efforts at defence, and sprang forward from the ranks, staring with glazed eyes upon the foe, with a look of vacant mania in his blood-shotten eyes. Instantly some unhallowed hand cast the first spear, crashing into his chest, followed quickly by others, until a dozen great spears stood bristling in the aged breast of the noble Priest, who fell for- ward with a thud and a groan upon his dead foes, heaped up waist-high before him. When Paao fell, Leleha's superstitious fears were so awakened for the moment, that while her atten- tion was thus briefly withdrawn from her own de- fence, she too received two cruel spears into her bridal breast ; and a brave and noble chieftess went down, wringing a cry of grief from gallant Boki, and, alas ! with none left to fill the places of these fast falling ones. There now came to be a gap necessarily left open on the right wing, between the north cliff and the Oahuans, into which the wolfish foe wedged in on the instant, and soon flanked Kalani with a semi- circle of bristling steel. There were now but forty able-bodied chiefs left about the King, and it needed sixty to span the Pass ; and all were be- THE WOUNDED KING. 393 coming too much wounded and too weary to resist much longer. Seeing the grim circle of Hawaiians thus close in about his wing, and thinking to close up the scene, or drive the intruders back again, Kalani called out his battle-cry, and wheeled his front to assail them. The impulse was so sudden, and the assault so furious and well pressed, that Kalani and those about him cut their way through the line of guards, and turning upon those up the gorge, slaughtered them to a man. Among those who fell by Kalani's ponderous blows were several great chiefs, officers in the Guard. As if satisfied with the work of the moment, or utterly exhausted with his furious effort, Kalani fell back under the sheltering crag with but ten remaining chiefs ; and together they set their backs against the rock, standing on the defensive to re- cover their breath. A huge spear was seen hang- ing in the thigh of Kalani as he retreated, its long staff dragging after him as he pressed back to the cliff, rankling terribly in the wound. But, alas ! every other chief was more seriously wounded than their King ; and none dared stoop down to free the wound of its weapon ; but Kalani raised his leg and broke the staff, and tore the cruel spear from his thigh. But it was now noticed that the look of impend- ing death mantled quickly over the face of Kalani ; he paled to an ashy hue with the agony from his lacerated wound. At that moment the piteous cry 594 KALANI OP OAHU. of Kupule was heard from above, crying out : " Oh, Kalani! Oh, my King ! Let me come down to you ere you die ! " That cry from his darling brought back the leap- ing life-blood to his kingly face once more. Then the tottering, half-blinded King suddenly found strength to weakly wave his dripping sword to the dear one on the crag, in heroic token of his undy- ing love for this brightest and best in the land. Glancing gratefully up to Kupule, while yet his pale lips moved without power to articulate, so speechless with his agony, Kalani stoud tottering there in the clotted puddles of his own blood, lean- ing wearily against the cold damp rock to rally himself, while with superhuman effort he kissed his reeking sword-blade with heart-touching rever- ence to his darling. O Pele I cruel deity, to suf- fer such a wrong ! Heavens ! who can guess what transpires above and around one during such acts of heroism and devotion as these ? Who can interpret the whis- pered sympathies of the Unseen, ever hovering anent the dying hour of such great souls ? Even the savage Guard now stood with suspended weap- ons, every organ of sense agape, while they rever- ently watched to see the great King drop down and die. What wonder that even these brutal men were awed by such heroism, and the piteous, pleading cry of the weeping Queen the god-born daughter of their own great King. Suddenly a furious whir of unseen wings was SNATCHED FROM DEATH ! 395 heard invading the dusky gorge, appalling every heart with thought of some ghostly Presence in their midst. And there stood a dim, vast Shadow- shape hovering between the dying Kalani and the strong light of the setting sun. This sudden shad- ow-gloom was vividly impressed upon all ; but was made most visible to the dying King in the gorge, and the weeping Queen on the crag. From the pale lips of both, there fell the same glad expres- sions of joy ; the same outcry seemingly addressed to Deity ; as if both the one and the other were speaking face to face with the Divine One they called upon. Kupule's tears gave place to grateful smiles in an instant ; and Kalani ceased to grope about as if blinded, and ceased to sway and totter against the damp cliff, like one about to fall. His blanched face grew calm, as when a fierce tempest is sud- denly stilled by a mandate ; and he stood rever- ently up with bowed head, like one who had been regenerated in a moment one tardily forgiven of his long regretted sins. What really had transpired was only known to a few divinely exalted souls at that time. As the vast figure of Shadow-dark passed from before the face of the sun, there soon after appeared to the witnessing eyes of thousands, a thin, feathery mist- cloud, full of awful mystery and meaning, gathered about the topmost peak of Waolani. A rough and rocky peak, high up above the gorge, where only the mountain eagle soars ; and below which the KALANI OF OAHU. cawing tropic birds wheel and scream in countless numbers about their nests. Weird and demoralizing was the mystery that possessed the gorge in that awful moment, and which subsequently gathered about the seeming mist-cloud like a divine Shechinah upon the peak, wearing a look of soft and silky texture that was not born of the usual trade-cloud that had now ceased to invade the gorge for the day. It had more the aspect of those thin gray mists of the morning, when touched by the sun ; those half visible vagrant exhalations of the ghostly night- airs that come stealing out with perfumed foot- steps from every dell in the valley, and every wooded gorge in the mountain wilds. Yet this flame-illumined mist was none of these. For look at it as they would, it seemed so haloed about with sadness as to awaken human tears. A dim, uncertain vapory something haunted with the half definable figure of a woman ; but* woman too massive to be earthly, and too sorrowing to be heavenly for tears are not the heritage of the blessed. To those who watched with keenest gaze and deepest introspective vision, there appeared at times the unmistakable contour of a sweet, sad face, more beautiful than a thousand stars. But in an instant the divine conception was snatched from view, hidden by the ever gyrating vapor, which often seemed rayed through and through as by the yellowest masses of moonbeam. But this " 'TIS PELE ! " 397 proved to be but the typical gold-locks of all divine ones long and wavy tresses like the shimmering moonlight on a rippling sea. Watching closely there was often outlined sweet glimpses of large milk-white pinions, white as the sheeny wings of the tropic-birds careering below, though a thousand times larger. Sometimes these snowy wings seemed half extended, as when dawning thoughts of sudden flight transpire. Some- times the pinions seemed folded tranquilly at rest, but oftenest they hung with a limp arid sorrowing droop, restless and fluttering, like the palpitant heart-motion of one bereaved by an unspeakable sorrow. When the restless, rolling vapor gathered most densely about the divine head and cornel} 7 figure, then there could be distinguished the voluptuous outline of large and shapely limbs though twenty times the size of life altogether com- prising a womanly outline of most unearthly beauty. When only the limbs of the divine one were visible, the one flexed knee well comported with the bowed head and drooping pinions of a grief-stricken Spirit of another world than this. Thus the whole divine figure subsequently be- came unmistakably outlined from these frequent glimpses in detail, until all were possessed of its divine origin. " "Tis Pele ! " whispered the thou- sand heathen hearts who beheld the mystic reve- lation through their tears. " 'Tis the ANGEL of GOD ! " whispered the few apostate ones who 398 KALANI OF OAHU. were secretly inspired with the white man's reve- lation of a being higher and holier than all their heathen deities. Great was the surprise of all to see Kalani thus rally and throw off his deathly faint ; but just what the inspiration had been to thus snatch him from death, but few could tell. It was a mystery that had inspired the Guard with awe, and had kept their murderous hands in check till now, that they saw Kalani arouse and prepare to fight again. As the brave King recovered from his swoon of death, he remembered the thousand loving eyes that were watching his every act from Waolani, intent to report his battle-deeds to posterity. Ah, how a brave heart may rally when thus inspired by such a thought ; and how may he fight again with renewed valor, when battling before such an audience of loving eyes ! Knowing that his power of defence was fast weakening, Kalani now caught up his feather mantle from a cleft in the rock, and wound the costly mamo round his left arm to serve as shield. The remainder of his red plume, already cleft in two by a keen sabre- cut that had left its trace upon his cheek, still hung from his clotted hair, where it had been secured by Kupule after the loss of his helmet. Wounded as he was, the great soul of the young monarch yet illumined his noble face brightly as ever. But there was now ob- served a set and savage resolution settling down over his pallid countenance. His usually full, red " YIELD, NOBLE KING ! " 399 lips, had lost their arched voluptuous bows, and were now set firm and hard, and thin and pale, expressing an undying resolution that was not wholly linked with the battle as we learn from his swift, irreverent glances, flung at the occupant of the mist-cloud on the mountain peak. The usually broad open brow of the King was now severely knitted into frowns, furrowing his face with an appearance of having aged within an hour. But whether the frowns and flutings upon his stern young face were the effect of mental or physical pain, a withering scorn of his con- fronting foes, or his newly awakened apostasy to Pele, is a matter still in dispute among the few survivers who recorded his appearance. The ten remaining Chiefs stood grasping their bloody sword-hilts as they leaned panting and bleeding against the rocky wall of the gorge ; every countenance worn and haggard, but still radiant with an inward expression of undying love for their heroic King that was very touching to behold. There was that in every menacing eye that promised, unasked, to die gloriously by his side. Their pale lips curled with scorn at the general expressions of pity seen in the sinister faces gathering in strong battle array around them wounded men, who dare not leave the support of the cliff lest they fall from weakness. But the Guard had tasted the terrible might of these men of Oahu, and their experience taught them that they must be cut down before they 400 KALANI OF OAHU. would yield, and as they prepared to accomplish this piece of noble butchery, there was indeed an expression of truest pity upon their faces, that so gallant a King, and Chiefs so brave, should have to be hewn down like common foes. " Would Kalani but surrender he who has won such undying fame ! " became such a uni- versal wish, not only of the Guard, but of the thousands upon the mountain side, until the very air became pervaded with the sentiment that Kalani should not thus die. And it was perhaps in interpretation of this sentiment implied or expressed that led Keone Ana to now spring forward and strike down the levelled spear-points just in act to spring, ten to one, upon the wounded chiefs, while he called for Kalaui's surrender in the name of Kamehameha : " Yield, noble King ! Oahu is lost ! Kameha- meha would save his kingly foe." " Ha ! English Young. Have at thee too. Why lags behind my bastard brother ? Kalani asks but life to lay him low." " Stay, Kalani ! I've come to save you, with the promise of all honors my great King can be- stow." " Nay, fool ! The wish for life is past. Invaders come to glut with blood, not parley with a kingly foe. Come on ! brave haole. Kalani would rather fall by thee than any." " Ha ! Smite you so ? To parley thus were death to me." COMBAT WITH YOUNG. 401 And Young now put in his own swift, strong blows, with something more then defensive might. " Ah ! Young : that bit the flesh. Your blade is keen ; your arm is fresh." The flesh wound inflicted by Keone Ana, so nettled Kalani, that he sprang madly forward, and for the moment rained down his blows upon the brave English sailor ; pressing him steadily back through his own ranks of wondering Guards, who opened to the right and left to let them pass, until fifty ferocious warriors stood there with bristling spears on either side of the two combatants. Five of Oahu's chiefs fell during this onset, and the noble Boki was the last to fall. This Kalani saw, even in the midst of his own furious attack upon Young ; and as the great Hawaiian who had killed Boki, stooped down to snatch a valued trophy from his neck, Kalani swerved one of his downward blows first meant for Young and cleft the great Chief's head from off his body, and again resumed his work with Young as though un- interupted. As by common consent, not a spear was now raised against the heroic King, or his five chiefs ; but a hundred gigantic Hawaiians circled about the two combatants, with a view to witnessing the desperate sword-fight between two skilful con- testants, such as none of them had ever witnessed before. Step by step Young had been compelled to give way, falling back from one side of the rocky gorge 26 402 KALANI OP OAHU. to the other, keeping mostly to the defensive, leav- ing Kalani to spend his furious forces, as soon as he must. When the brave King's blows began to slacken, and he breathed heavily and staggered from exhaustion ; then Young took to the offen- sive, and steadily pressed Kalani back to the op- posite cliff, with but five haggard chiefs tottering about him, with madly menacing faces as they re- treated. It was now believed by all that Kalani would 'surrender; for he was so weak that but for the rocks at his back he would have fallen to the ground ; and with this intent Young kept back the Guard and gave the breathless, tottering King time to recover a moment. When Kalani had rallied from the previous swoon of death at the interposition of the super- natural agency of of something we know not what ; the sad, uncertain mist-cloud then lay mo- tionless and impenetrable ; rimmed half-about with the sad sunset's liquid gold fringing the western disk of the vapory sphere with a crescent of beauty. But now that Kalani again tottered to his fall, the mist-cloud was startled from its previous re- pose; its vapory veil swayed wildly in unequal rifts, like wind-blown smoke, but such smoke as serves only to smother a furious flame. Now a negligent mood of sorrow seemed to possess the awful power within that flame-cloud, again per- mitting a partial disclosure of the divine mystery to wondering human eyes. The ghostly Spirit now DEATH OF KALANI. 403 became so visible as to cast its shadow-shape darkly upon the gray rocks below and the sea beyond, dense even as Waolani's lengthening shadow falls upon the far eastern sea. What has thus disturbed the divine incumbent of that awful mist-cloud ? What but Young's loud-ringing steel, falling furious and fast upon Kalani's parrying sword ; or burying itself deep into the yellow mamo shielding the young King's arm. How heaves the billowy cloud with such agony as only the immortals know, glowing with a fiery radiance as if incandescent within ! It rocks verily like the tumultuous rise and fall of .a human bosom tempestuous with sorrow. Why will the Divine One if such it be not stay the battle and save the heroic King? Cer- tainly it is not from lack of more than maternal love for the invincible hero of the battle ; for see, how tenderly the bereaved Spirit leans out over the gorge, intent upon the ghastly slaughter below. If it were Pele though reputed to so love the fierce contentions of men even She should now be palled by the awful massacre in the Pali, and stoop down with divine condescension to save her once toving devotee ; though now, alas for him ! become a Christian apostate from his heathen God- dess. Ah ! when has ever a scorned divinity of her sex whether human or divine been known to revoke her unjust maledictions against a de- fected worshipper ? Were it not so, the vocation of ambient angels were no more needed in this world of sorrow. 404 KALANI OP OAHU. As Kalani recovered breath sufficient for Young to renew the negotiation for surrender though apparently by no help from the sorrowing Deity in the mist-cloud the English chief again appealed to him in kindest words to cease the useless bat- tling : " Yield, brave King ! Why fight in vain, and fall at last ? Surrender ! and end the battle." " Never ! Would you enslave a King ? Up, m} 7 brand, and smite the haole Alii for the thought ! " And with a sudden influx of momentary strength the last mortal impulse of a spent soul Kalani slashed furiously at the English general as he ap- proached to take his sword, following up his blows with the infuriated rage of a madman, wounding Keone Ana severely on face and shoulder. Seeing one of them must go down, Young now struck home with his utmost cunning, and soon put in the final blow. "Kaha! Haole Alii!" (Ha! White Chief!) " Well struck ! You've . . . done . . . for . . . Ka- lani. 'Tis best so." And with a superhuman effort, the last act of his life, he raised his reeking sword to Kupule high as his dying arm would permit and let fall the weighty weapon with a heavy clang upon the lava rocks ; exclaiming, as the frothy blood bubbled from his lips, and he fell beside his sword : " Kupule ! Kupule ! Auhea . . . na . . . Ku-pu- le ? " (Where is Ku-pu-le ?) " E ko-Jcu-a . . . none . . . Young." (Be-friend her Young.) KUPULE'S FRIGHTFUL LEAP ! 405 " Befriend . . . my . . . Dar-ling ! Hoi . . . ma- hope / . . . Hoi . . , ma-hop-e ! " (Too late ! Too la-t-e !) And thus Oahu was bereft of her King ! He had raised his ponderous weapon too high in bat- tling with so cunning a foe, in the vain endeavor to acquire strength for a downward blow too high for guard for Young thrust his sword to the hilt into Kalani's exposed breast ; withdrawing the cruel weapon to see him reel cry out to his Darling and fall to the earth to rise no more ! The mist-cloud on Waolani flashed with angry lightning when fell the King, and the rain poured down in torrents upon all below where it hung. The earth rocked and reeled as if the Pali's gorge was about to be closed up upon all its combatants forever. The very mountain-peak leaned savagely out over the gorge with the dreadful inclination that portends a fall. But only for a moment was sorrowing nature thus convulsed, for soon all be- came quiet upon the mountain, and tranquil in the gorge. When Kupule saw Kalani fall ; saw his last ap- pealing look as he raised his dying eyes to her sorrowing face; heard his broken outcry half choked by his own heart-blood as he called fee- bly for his darling, she sprang up with a cry of pain, a shriek of wild horror at the cruel deed she had seen perpetrated upon a wounded King ! Flinging off the restraining hands of her sorrow- ing maidens, who sought to withhold their frenzied 406 KALANI OF OAHU. Queen from rushing into that savage tussle of maddened men below for the Guard were still slaughtering the remaining Chiefs Kupule rose madly up from the stunted foliage that had served to shelter her from the Invaders. Springing down with the wild bound of a hunter-scared antelope from off the overhanging crag where she had watched the inhuman battle rage, she stood half stunned by the shock in the gorge below. The shriek of thousands of agonized women rang out upon the mountain wilds, followed by a moment's wailing of five thousand voices wild, anguished, and awful smiting upon the deepen- ing gloom of the twilight gorge with a universal sorrow. Then all was still as the hush of death, awaiting the result of the Queen's leap from the crag. Appalling indeed is the simultaneous hush following the multitudinous cry of a sorrowing people. It was like the ghostly, chilling stillness of impending death ; as when we stand by the bedside of the dearest and the best, and see the taper of life put out in spite of our appeals. But the immaculate soul of Kupule was pos- sessed by a divine instinct in that hour, an in- stinct inherent to all, when the chill shadow of our own impending death approaches, for it is then that the alert Spirit immortal asserts prece- dence over the crumbling clay. Thus the young Queen was but essaying her embryo pinions in that leap ; impennate pinions, yet soon to be called upon to wing her ethereal element to the skies LYING DEAD TOGETHER! 407 heavenward to its new-found God ! If this were not so, why was not Oahu's tender Queen crushed on the instant by that perilous leap ? falling upon the slippery, blood-stained rocks below ! One bound over the intervening rocks over the heaped-up dead friends and dead foes lying thick strewn about her dying King her dear loved one ! her dear lost one ! and Kupule flung herself upon the heaving bosom of Kalani, with the fran- tic bound of an ocean-billow leaping upon the long-sought shore ! rousing him from the death- swoon that had already possessed him, by the warm pressure of her fresh young lips to his, so blood-stained with the oozing heart-current of a truly noble soul. " Ku-pu-le ! " vocalized itself feebly upon the latest expiration of the dying King. He breathed no more ! It was all the dying hero found voice to utter, while the quick, quivering shudder of death was even then visibly struggling through his manly form. It was the last superhuman effort of one already moribund, recalled by the sweet spirit of Aloha, for one last farewell utterance to his darling, whom he loved so well ! ."Auwe! Kalani. Auwe, Kuu make Moi!" Oh, Kalani ! O my dead King ! And she covered his face with her kisses, and listened for another dying aloha ; exclaiming in her agony of sorrow as she listened in vain for yet one more dear message from his dead lips ! "E Kali!E Kali! Makou oia aloha like, 408 KALANI OF OAHTJ. pono make pu!" Wait! wait! We who love so, must die together ! But the Boy King of Oahu was already dead ! He could not " wait " for his darling, his beautiful Kupule ; although he loved her more than his kingdom and better than his life ! When Kalani's dead arms had relax-ed their ten- der clasp about the neck of Kupule, after clinging intelligently to her throughout the whole death- struggle ; and it had fully dawned upon the half- dazed brain of the Queen that he was indeed dead gone from her forever! then a low heart- broken wail escaped her, so piteous that it called Death's ministering angel down. A stifling strug- gle seemed to gain the mastery over the young creature for a moment ; then burst the red heart- blood in torrents from her small, sweet mouth covering Kalani's dead face with the life-blood of his darling and she too lay dead upon the bosom of her dearly loved King. The soft and lambent gleam of two gifted souls lit up the Pali's gorge as with a flambeau of glory, and departed heavenward in that moment; wing- ing Godward with a swift transition-flush of eager happiness, so joyed that earthly sorrows were passed, to be renewed no more forever and for- ever! Mourn ! O ye mountain Waolani ! Sing soft ! ye trade-winds in good weather : The Boy King lies dead in your Pali ; The Keiki Moi, and his fair Wahine Alii : Fond souls ! dying blissfully together ! 409 Slow falls the daylight down the western sky ; for the long tropic day of slaughter the battle- day is done. The approaching twilight purples the sea and hangs a dying glory on the mountain- peak ; from which the awful mist-cloud of the grief-stricken Pele has departed, with a vow that war shall be no more forever in the land ! Though the Goddess had forgiven Kalani, as she had prom- ised to do, in the death-hour, and had lovingly snatched him from dissolution, and would have gladly redeemed him to his late kingly posses- sions again; but the now Christian King rejected her tardy revocation of his trivial sin coming at such an unseemly hour and in proud -de- fiance fought on to the death, dying in happy belief of another God than the dread PELE of KILAUEA ! Thus the cruel deed of conquest is over, and every homestead in the land is bereaved of its mas- ter ; and the women of all the fair Island will be given as baubles to whomsoever may demand. Only the God in heaven knows how such national crimes are balanced in the ponderous scrolls of Time, or how compensated for in the crystal rec- ords of Eternity ! ^ : Kt**) tffc^fryifxf jfr * !*.-*>** - - The low rhythmic wailing upon the mountain grew deeper and louder, with this new accession of a nation's woe, multiplying timidly with the approach of twilight gloom, and the oft recurring * The Afterthought, or the Sequel-thought. 412 KALANI OF OAHU. dying, and scatter their holy incense over the dead. How broods the weeping Silence and the dusky Night twin Niobes in deepening sorrow over the dead chiefs and their homeless friends ! Hush your timid heart-beats, lest they jar upon the sepul- chral air. Awaken eye and ear to their utmost tension, and watch intuitively for what transpires around. See you not that this duskirress is not wholly the encroaching shadow-dark, stalking forth from its accustomed haunts, but rather the rustling of sepulchral Ghouls and benign Spirits invading the Pali's dismal gorge ! Look into the sky ! Observe how the sorrowing star-beams are frequently shut out, for one swift instant, from the gaze ! What mystic wing-mo- tions are these, fanning cold and dank upon the evening air ? Ah ! what indeed, but an awful gathering of the numberless Unseen, ever called forth upon the ghostly missions of the dying ! Noiseless as the bronze-footed Makani-ao (trade- clouds) flit down the benign Spirits from the bend- ing skies, hastening, on wings lighter than thistle- down, as they bear their messages of peace to whom peace is due, wherever a dying warrior utters his righteous call. Well might the soaring night-eagle wheel on uneasy wings high above the starlit peaks of Wao- lani, having scented the battle-blood from afar, and come to gorge upon the festering dead as his due ; yet now holding aloof from his prey, so awed by the muffled voices of multitudinous wailing, and the ghostly incumbents of the Pali ! MEMORY'S SHRINES. 413 There are those still living on these sunny Isles of the sea * though grown wondrous old and gray who claim to have witnessed with their young eyes, from Waolani, all we have here de- picted of this frightful battle, and its awful sequel. Shrivelled old gray-beards, who vouch for having seen the two cherished Souls redeemed from their dead clay by the Christian's God a new Deity in that day saw their spirits winging heavenward to eternal glory. It was then that the weeping Pele flashed her volcanic flame angrily from the Mist-cloud, shat- tering the rocky mountain-top as we can witness to this day as she spurned it, and tore away like a thunderbolt through the evening air, swift-winged for Loa's flaming crater. Be that as it may, we do know there are watch- ful spirits in the Pali, still lingering through all the changeful century, guarding the hallowed spot where fell the brave and died the fair ! Whoever wanders here, in rapt communion with these be- nignant Shades, may invoke sights and scenes natural and supernatural, visible and invisible whose weird arid witching beauty will henceforth hang its cherished pictures on memory's shrines forever. Who can stand on the Heights of Abraham and not awaken to new emotions when reading, " Here died Wolf Victorious!" And who, I ask, can * The first draft of this work was written on the spot, thirty years ago. 410 KALANI OP OAHIT. mist-like mirage of the many departing souls, hs tening skyward to their bourn. Though the dread day of battling for a kingdo is over, what horrors are still being perpetrat< by the murderous Guard at the Pali's precipi above ; and what holocausts of human sacrific yet remain to complete the conquest of this fa Isle of Oahu where Liberty and Love lie dea rather than live to be enslaved by the Invader ! The blood-red sun a true emblem of this d? of slaughter has already set beyond the far ] land of Kauai the only free land remaining of * the Eight Isles where the mailed foot of t] ruthless Conqueror never shall tread, neither ] nor his invincible legions of war, for Pele has sa it, in sorrow and in wrath ! To the sad eyes of the dying warriors on t] mountain side, the sunset now discloses the fa " Isles of the Blessed," awaiting them in a go geous sea of purple and ruby and gold. There tl brave and the noble will tarry in intermediate blit to receive the vis to their passports, whether th< be doomed to go down to the dread Crehena of tl ungodly, or merit to wing joyously upward, on tir less pinions, to the glorious Ouli beyond the star where the Akua nui awaits the just, and dispens> His glory to the righteous. Aside from the frightful groans of the wounde and the soft murmur of inarticulate bereavemei that hangs like a funeral pall over the mountai crags, where the lurking fear of death pervades a SEPULCHRAL SPIRITS. 411 who chance to wail too loudly for dead friends, there now broods a thickly peopled silence over all the land a tearful, timorous silence, engendered by Oahu's unspeakable woe ! Well may the strong, cool trades of this griev- ous battle-day now soften down their merry wind- bugles into the tenderest minstrelsy of sorrow, reverently folding their bronze wings for the night, and hushing their rhythmic cooings among the tutui trees of the mountain, and the drooping palm-fronds along the shore. As the twilight deepens into darkness through- out the gorge, all visions become sombre, and all sounds grow sad ; harmonious accessories awak- ened by the universal bereavement over the much- loved dead. How strange it is that maternal Na- ture should thus sadden with our sorrows, assum- ing a funeral aspect to comport in tenderest sym- pathy with the momentous achievements of man ! How subdued has become the great Ocean surf on the Koolau shore ! how tuneful the mountain waterfall ! Now only the coy, soft breezes of a tropic night venture languidly out from Waolani's wooded dells, blowing too lazily to ruffle the feathery bamboo foliage, or jangle the golden bell-flowers on the tall hau trees ; airs too timorous to fly swiftly, and too sorrowing to sing loudly, while thus dispensing their elegiac perfumes from forest wild-fruits and untutored flowers ; coming, like ministering angels from Valhalla, to proffer their floral tributes to the 414 KALANI OP OAHU. stand here iii this historic Pali without lifting a floodgate of rapture, whose visions shall sculpture into marble, and limn themselves in tablets of beau- ty when remembering, Here fell Kalani, who died for his new God, and his darling ! Here we leave our KEIKI Moi and his noble Queen, so beautiful even in death! leave them in the loving hands of Him they found at last ; the God who blessed them with an heroic courage and the wisdom to cherish their young affections ! leave them to the mournful requiems that nightly sing their vesper-hymns over the Pali's gorge ; pit- eous, intrusive Spirits, ever wondering with our- selves over ,a wrong so great, where sweet Love and noble Liberty were thus suffered to die ! HOPE, ALOHA MELE.* OUR Tale is done : one brief Adieu ! And friends, we'll mount our steed, and leave you. Here in this gorge the Heroes fell ! Their ashes strew the craggy Pass ; Where ran their gore adown the dell Blooms vigorous the verdant grass. The flowers wave their leafy plumes, Yet weeping hangs each pensive head ; Perpetual, each constant blooms, Perennial mourners o'er the dead. How lovingly their perfumes cling ! Their fragrant task is one of love ; Prom dust of Liberty they spring ; Who would such sacred buds remove? Ye Shades of Heroes ! forgive these tears, My heart your woe your glory weeps ; I love to trace your hopes and fears ; Your valor fond remembrance keeps I Song-borne I hear your battle-shout ! Your voices down the distance sound; Such tones old Time ne'er blotteth out, For aye respond these cliffs around. At times the Keiki Moi appears, And acts the awful past anew ; Down through the Pali's gloom he peers And doth his warrior Shades review. Hark ! hear them wing the vast profound ! Their rustling plumes thrill through the air; Their whisper'd breathings plaintive sound, Anguished with earth's last hours despair ! * Final Farewell song ; or, final Love song. 415 OF E3DITION" A THRILLING ROMANCE OF HAWAII. By DR. C. M. NEWELL, of Boston. i vol., i2mo. 415 pages. Price, $1.50. This beautiful story illustrates life in the Sandwich Islands before emigration brought the vices of Europe among them, and so altered the character and habits of the most remarkable race of the age. The book has been read by King Kalakaua, and has received his warmest approval. OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. VARIOUS NEW PUBLICATIONS. KALANI OF OAHU is meeting with a large sale. The novelty of the subject and the freshness of its treatment promises to make it a marked success., BOOKMEN'S CHAT. KALANI OF OAHU, Dr. 'C. M. Nevvell's poetically written romance of the Sandwich Islands has already reached a second edition. Boston Courier. Dr. Newell, in his historical romance of Hawaii, has opened up new ground for his readers. The deities of the Hawaiian mythology furnish Dr. Newell with an entirely fresh body of characters, and his Romance is very in- teresting. If the doctor had been less learned, and less lavish of scientific words, the story would not have suffered. Atlantic Monthly. From the pen of the gifted author of " Over the Ocean " and " Abroad Again : " KALANI OF OAHU, by Dr. C. M. Newell, takes the reader into an entirely new field in literature. It is literally an historical romance of the early days of Kamehameha the Great ; the interest of the narrative turning upon the heroism of Kalani, the boy King of Oahu, the last of a dynasty which fell with his defeat at the hands of Kamehameha, king of Hawaii. In effect it is a materialization of the interesting mythology of the ancient Hawaiians, as the author learned it, years ago, from the lips of the aged chiefs of the " Eight Isles," and will furnish the student of myths and folk-lore with much interesting knowledge of the religious superstitions, rites and ceremonies peculiar to the prehistoric past of Polynesia. Comparatively little has been written in this direction, certainly but little that conveys this interesting inform- ation in so intelligent a manner as this volume. The author is manifestly of a poetic temperament, and his' subject is treated in an appreciative manner that betrays a special adaption for this peculiar 2 OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. branch of literary work. His diction is, throughout, poetic in the extreme, and the style is flowing and facinating. The book is inscribed to his majesty, David Kalakaua, and its merits should command a wide circle of readers. Boston Commercial Bulletin. KALANI OF OAHU is a highly imaginative romance of Hawaii by Dr. C. M. Newell. In it are embodied the myths and superstitions of the inhabitants of the Sandwich Islands which existed both before and after their shores were visited by European and American navigators a century ago. The book ap- pears to have been written from the standpoint of one who has studied the mythology of the Islands at short range, and is dedicated to His Majesty King Kalakaua. Sunday Herald. KALANI OF OAHU is a work of the imagination, founded upon legendary material, written by Dr. C. M. Newell, of this city, who in early life visited the scenes which he has made the theatre of his story, and made a careful study of the traditions of the locality, which he has woven into his work. It is unques- tionably faithful in its account of the topography of the Sandwich Islands, and is also a realistic reproduction of the extraordinary phenomena which are ex- hibited by nature in that tropical and volcanic region. The book will com- mend itself to the reader especially for these qualities. The plot of the story is evolved, as we have said, from the romantic traditions of the island. Out of these Dr. Newell has constructed an elaborate narrative. A feature that merits mention is the account of an eruption ; and a recent recurrence of this phenomenon will be likely to give the book special interest at this time. Boston Eve. Gazette. The following is by the author of one of the daintiest of the " Round Robin Series : " KALANI OF OAHU, by C. M. Newell, author of " Pehe Nue," a pleasantly remembered narative of the Pacific, is the story of the Boy King of Oahu and his beautiful bride Kupule, told with a wealth of imagery and a prodigality of descriptive power that shows that the author has rarely to pause for a word or a thought. Dr. Newell paints the scenery of the " Eight Isles " from a palette that evidently holds nature's own colors, and his accounts of feats of broil and battle betray undoubted familiarity with barbaric warfare. The fertility of in- vention in this story is really tropical in its abundance, and the warm glow of a poetic imagination is felt in every page. None but one who had long been a resident of the Sandwich Islands could have pictured the peculiarities of this sun-favored land so well. To those not acquainted with the mythology of the region the book will be a revelation. The concluding chapter of the book is one that is full of imaginative fervor, and the passages which portray the heroic death of the " Boy King " are eloquent and absorbing. Boston Sunday Courier. KALANI OF OAHU, by Charles M. Newell, M. D., is a strange, unique ro- mance of Sandwich Island life in ancient times, with vivid descriptions of the people, their customs, characteristics, superstitions and bloody wars, and of the wonderful country itself. Dr. Newell visited the Sandwich Islands forty years ago, during the reign of Kamehameha II. and twenty years after the establish- ment of missions in the group ; and the story he has now published of the war between Kamehameha I. of Hawaii, and Kalani of Oahu, is a result of his study and explorations. The volume is dedicated to King Kalakaua. Much historical information is interwoven with the wild traditions and weird roman- ticism of the tale. Zion's Herald. OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. 3 In KALANI OF OAHU Dr. Newell has produced a very readable book. Its foundation is the legends of the Sandwich Islands, which the author has him- self heard from the lips of the old men of Hawaii. There is not much plot to the story, it being merely a plain account of the rise and fall of one of the native chiefs. Kalani became king of Oahu at a very early age, and made a gallant struggle against the mighty Kamehameha the Great, who finally con- quered him. The story is excellently written, and is an excellent presentation of the legendry of Hawaii. There are elegant bits of description, and the author at times becomes almost poetic. The chief fault of the story is the high-flown language put into the mouths of some of the personages. The studies of character are commendable and interesting. Altogether it is an original and valuable contribution to literature, and ought to find many readers. Boston Post. In Dr. C. M. NewelPs KALANI OF OAHU the reader is offered a romance unique in plot and construction, wrought upon a groundwork part historical and part legendary, and aglow with vivid imagination and wild poetic fancies. The author has lived upon the Sandwich Islands, and considerable portions of this book were written in view of the places described. In reading the story one needs to surrender all ideas of the modern novel, and of events probable or actual, and to give himself up, as in a dream, to a moving panorama of scenes and personages half human and half supernatural. The materials out of which the romance is wrought are the myths and superstitions of the Hawaiians, with which the author became familiar during his residence on the islands. There are riches for the poet as well as for the romancist among these materials, and the author prefaces each chapter with verses which show an appreciation and an apt use of these materials. Altogether, the book is fresh and interesting, and possesses a value beyond that of ordinary fiction, in the glimpses which it affords of old myths and faiths about which little has been hitherto known. Boston Journal. KALANI OF OAHU. Hawaiian gods and goddesses, demigods, mermaids, fairy queens, sea monsters and noble savages of all ages and sizes are person- ages concerning whom the humble student of fiction may be pardoned for knowing very little, but they certainly make rather amazing figures for an his- torical romance, especially when assisted by a volcano and any number of earthquakes, and KALANI OF OAHU, whatever else it may lack, has no dearth of active characters. The author seems to have striven to forget civilization and conventionalities, and to write as might some Hawaiian to whom each legend was true, and each god and goddess real, and in his success in doing this lies the principle merit of the book. The style is overwrought, but the book holds the reader's attention firmly in spite of its faults, and leaves him quite inclined to believe that Pele really sorrowed over her boy lover, and vowed above his dying body that there should be " no more war in the land forever." Sunday Budget. KALANI OF OAHU is a writing out of the usual order, dedicated to a living king, the seventh potentate of Hawaii. It dates back for its history to the days of idolatry. In descriptions of scenery and savage battles, ancient man- ners and customs, and weird superstitions, the writing is strong. The hero is' the " Boy King of Oahu ; " the heroine is Pelelulu, the natural daughter of Kamehameha, whom the youthful king captured as his slave, but fell in love with her at sight, and made her his queen. The canoe voyage along the coast, with the volcano pouring its moulten lava into the angry waves, is a graphic piece of writing. Dr. Newell describes the scenery from the spot, and his_ dis- cription of the eruption corresponds well with descriptions of recent eruptions. The book well repays perusal. The Inter-Ocean, Chicago. OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. KALANI OF OAHU, by C. M. Newell. In this handsome volume Dr. Newell weaves into an interesting and stiring romance the myths and legends of the Hawaiian Islands, giving especial prominence to Pele, " the most sublime and terrible goddess in the mythology of nations. Though this fearful ignipotent comprised in herself all that was grand and adorable in her sex in placid mo- ments, she was at times coquettish, and cruel and unrelenting in her demands for human worship and human sacrifice." Her cruelty was shown in her desertion of the heroic Boy King of Oahu, whom she formerly loved and pro- tected, but who, for a momentary slight upon her, was permitted to be slain by the followers of Kamehameha, the giant King of the Hawaiians. The picture of the final battle between these two kings is drawn with great power, and very beautiful is the sketch of Kupule, the lovely queen and wife of Kalani. Bos- ton Home Joiirnal. KALANI OF OAHU is a charming romance of Hawaii, that comes to our table from its author and publisher, Dr. C. M. Newell. The story is a smooth recital of the mythological traditions and cradle songs of the Hawaiians, and while bearing all the charms of clever fiction, gives one a truthful sketch of the happy islanders, at a time when the light of civilization (?) had not re- modelled their customs. It is intensely interesting and one turns the last of its four hundred pages with regret and with a mind that long retains pleasant impressions of happy Arcadian life. Simday Times. This criticism is by one of the cultured daughters of Julia Ward Howe : The Sandwich Island novel with which Dr. Newell has recently surprised the literary world is as brilliant in its coloring as the corals and shells of his favorite islands. The book is an important one, giving insight into the history of the Sandwich Islands, with which the author has gracefully interwoven their mythology. He shows us that they possessed a wild and interesting civiliza- tion of their own, and this is always very important to know in studying the status of regions of the kind, since we are too apt to ignorantly set them down as savage, simply because they are unlike ourselves. The mythological ele- ments in the story is so skillfully interwoven as to impart something of the moonlight shimmer of a fairy tale. The inhabitants of the Eight Islands must feel very grateful toward their learned friend for thus bringing them in vivid colors and bold contour before the eyes of the reading world. Dr.. Newell quotes from their language as easily and freely as most novelists bor- row from the French or German. We thank him for this clear ray of light into the past of these important islands, whose earlier history will henceforth be less veiled than before. Woman's Journal. KALANI OF OAHU, an historical romance, is founded on events of which the author had authentic information from those engaged in them. The conquest of Hawaii, the young hero, the final defeat, and the establishing of a new kingdom are all real occurrences. The book contains pleasing descriptions of the natural scenery of the islands, and much information regarding the my- thology and the superstitions and legends of the primitive race Universalist Quarterly. This generous tribute is a brief extract from a high source, of which the London Academy says : " Though not quite so old as the present year The Critic has already established its reputa- tion as the first literary journal in America." A HAWAIIAN ROMANCE. At last the myths and legends of the Hawaiian OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. 5 Isles have got an expounder. Dr. C. M. Newell comes forward, and the gods and goddesses of Polynesia take their places in legendary story. " Aided by this well digested system of their mythology, we may follow as easily down the circuitous stair of their dim, uncertain past, as the burrowing geologist delves into the nether world, and evolves his system from the dislo- cated ribs of mother earth." The author of KALANI OF OAHU has made it all possible. He has disen- tangled deity from the previous inceptions of the idolaters. He has laid open, both in verse and stately prose, the quality of Moa-alii the terrible sea god and the frequently reputed interviews of priests and kings with the goddess Pele. Pele was the fearful Ignipotent of Mauna Loa. Unique and lofty was her dwelling place. There she presided over the heavens and the earth. There, too, she could dance joyously in the fountain-jets of red lava that leaped up from the awful abyss, or swim playfully in the fiery surf of the volcanic sea ; yet sometimes she could dabble, with womanly instinct, in the destinies of heroic men. But when she was mad " the summer moon hid its face in dark- ness, and the stars grew tremendous with fear. The orange leaves withered, and their yellow globes jangled like alarm bells." But when Pele was in love with Kalana, her earthly hero, she could make herself visible, a grand and graceful creature in woman's form, dance exultingly on the crests of fiery lava, or flit daintily across from one black border of the lurid volcano to the other. Or she could come down on Kalani in his sleep, and with her daintly lips, crimson as the red ohea, salute his sensuous mouth with her hallowed kisses. Again, when her young hero was standing in a pose of expectation among the dead army, Pele could suddenly lay on his shoulders light hand- touches rsoft, ghostly, invisible hands followed by a loving pressure on his cold lips from her own red lips of fire. In short, to see what Pele could do, both in her love and her fury, whether acting alone or in conjunction with the gods .we must begin with the ship Elenora, which is caught in a storm while running to make the Upola Passage. It would seem as if nothing could save the imperilled ship ; but the divine Pele was equal to it. " Suddenly there was a dim, ghostly illumination seen through the inky blackness of the storm, beating against the Egyptian darkness, leaping a gigan- tic pillar of fire up through the midnight sky, until its incandescence reached the faces of the seamen, as they stood aghast awaiting their doom." In the battle which follows, Kalani succeeds in half killing Kamehameha, and runs off with his daughter, Pelelulu, whose intelligence and beauty were the pride and wonder of the Hawaiian world. The goddess Pele looks on approvingly ; for though she loves the great King, she loved her boy hero more, and had long destined Pelelulu for his bride. The war-party having surprised the camp of the Hawaiian King, and bagged their booty, glide away "softly as a cat's paw on a summer sea," and by day- light were forty miles on their homeward way. Meanwhile Pelelulu watched the warriors, and performed her toilet by trailing her one only garment of tresses li'ke a banner of night about her. They fell in love, as might be ex- pected, and exchanged not rings but names. They got home, buried their dead and were married. But we cannot follow this delightful story further. If the reader will take up Dr. Newell 's volume and read to the end, he will no longer be left as most of us are, "where the pre-historic past of a. people of Polynesia becomes a period of darkness, unrayed by sufficient glimmer of light by which to judge of the remote conditions of their religious or social history." N. Y. Critic. 6 OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. KALANI OF OAHU is a curiosity, both in subject and in treatment. . . . Dr. Newell has gone for his theme to the interesting period of the conquest of the " Eight Isles " by Kamehameha I. He has introduced a full line of super- natural personages, chief among whom is the goddess Pele, " the divine," " the dread," the "beautiful Ignipbtent," the most striking figure in the Polynesian pantheon. She dwelt in the great volcano of Mauna Loa, pouring forth her lava streams at will ; her Paradise was in Hale-mau-mau che house of ever- lasting fire. It is well known that this view of things greatly embarrassed the first missionaries' expositions of the true doctrine of the future state. Pele was, however, an anthropomorphic goddess (a deity in human form), and as a tropical woman she became the lover of Kalani, the young King of Oahu. Being slighted by him, she withdrew her protection from him and his cause, retired to her burning lake on Mauna Loa, and, after dreadful portents, left Kalani to his fate at the battle of Nuuanu, when his island fell under the power of Kamehameha I. Dr. Newell has hung upon this plot a great deal of mythology, description, and really imaginative, if florid, writing. The my- thology is very courageous, elves and mermaids being added to the local sup- ply of supernatural creatures, while the descriptions are fervid to the last degree : that they convert the semi-tropical climate and scenery of the islands into full-tropical is only the beginning of Dr. Newell's transformations. But local truth of color is not the first thing we look for in romance, least of all in one which seeks to give popular interest to an order of ideas and customs a hundred times remoter from our own than the ideas and customs of the ancient Greeks. Dr. Newell's English speaks for itself. As to his Hawaiian, the phrases frequently employed show that his knowledge of the native idiom has been impaired by long absence from the islands, where, as he tells us, the first draft of his story was composed thirtv years ago. What sort of literary gift Dr. Newell's is, will appear in the following fairly representative passage, de scribing the apparition of Pele by night to Kalani and his queen : " Afar off the red lava streamed up from Loa's top, and lit the reeling world with fire, like some monstrous beacon-light put forth by the hand of God. The pool, that had already grown tranquil since the departure of the nocturne spirits, had again become ruffled as by some unseen wind. . . . The hill whereon they stood shook with agony. ... A dark something now came suddenly over the moon, leaving .the royal pair clinging to each other in the midst of blackest darkness. ... By the tender blue of her large, soft eyes, and the golden magnificence of her shining hair, both the King and Queen knew the blinding vision before them to be Pele, the creator of the world." N. Y. Nation. .. The following appreciative review is taken from the Boston Transcript, the foremost literary paper in New England : A SANDWICH ISLANDS' ROMANCE. In KALANI OF OAHU the author, Dr. Charles M. Newell, has opened up a rich, and as yet unworked, mine in literature. In these days of society novels, when one gets weary of the small talk of the characters and sated with the descriptions of the clothing they wear, it is refreshing to turn to something so utterly unconventional as is this romance of savage life. It gives the reader a new sensation. It transports him to a strange and different world. The sea and the sky, the trees and flowers and the people, are not those he has OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. known before. Everything wears a different aspect, and has a curious kind of fascination, even for that class of readers who never find anything new in books. Dr. Newell first visited the Sandwich Islands forty years ago, during the reign of Kamehameha II., and twenty years after the establishment of missions in the group. Young and adventurous, he penetrated to the interior of the larger islands, visited the places made famous by battle and sacrifice, climbed volcanoes and wandered through the luxuriant valleys which lay at their feet. At that time the group was full of traditions of the old king, Kamehameha I., who, nearly fifty years before, had subjugated the various islands, one after another, and brought them under his individual rule, found- ing a royal line which existed without a break until 1872. The wars waged to effect this subjugation were bloody and ferocious in the extreme. The most obstinately contested was that with Oahu, the inhabitants of which island, under the'leadership of the boy king, Kalani, made the result of the struggle doubtful more than once. Kamehameha was of gigantic stature and recklessly brave. He always led his men, and his very presence was sometimes enough to create a panic in the opposing ranks. The success of his plans was greatly due to the advice and practical assistance of an Englishman, John Young, who was captured from the British ship, Elenora, and made a great chief, under the name of Keone Ani. Young introduced some knowledge of military manoeu- vres and discipline, and secured from the vessels that touched at Hawaii modern weapons of warfare, such as swords and daggers, but principally four small cannon, the sound of whose discharge was sufficient to strike terror to the hearts of those who heard it for the first time. The Oahuans, though less fortunate so far as the use of gunpowder was concerned, had yet learned some- thing of the weapons used in civilized warfare. The conquest was completed and the royal line founded in 1796, and though Kamehameha lived until 1819, sufficient time had elapsed since his death to allow the real incidents of his life to become inextricably mixed with tradition and romance, and to give him place as a god in the mythology of the islands. The most marvellous tales were told of his prowess, and his success was at- tributed to the direct intervention and aid of the goddess Pele, who was fabled to reside in the crater of the great volcano Mauna-Loa. At first her favorite was Kalani, but on account of a slight received from him she transferred her favor to the fierce old warrior of Hawaii. These traditions and stories made a deep impression upon the fervid imagin- ation of the young American, who went from island to island and sought out the various localities which were regarded as made sacred by the warlike deeds of Kamehameha. Many of the descriptions of natural scenery in the book were written at that time and upon the very spots described. KALANI OF OAHU is, in effect, a romance of the war between Hawaii and Oahu. The main incidents of history are preserved, but they are interwoven with the wild traditions of the people and colored by their grotesque and bloody mythological beliefs. The author has endeavored to paint a picture of Hawaiian life, with its customs, religious systems and modes of warfare, not in the manner of the professional historian or with statistical exactness, but in such a way as to bring it vividly before the reader in all its strangeness and pic- turesqueness. It is looking at Hawaiian history through Hawaiian eyes. Dr. Newell is peculiarly happy in his description of natural scenery. Here is an exquisite picture of a moonlight night on the shores of Oahu (see p. 284) : " It was a night when heaven stoops down with a loving nearness over its foster children, the green earth and the blue sea where they meet in kindly brotherhood upon the lonely shore. A night when the countless invisibles of earth and air which ever seem so far off in the garish light of day ap- proach on viewless wings, hovering so near unto us as to invade our thoughts 8 OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. by their plaintive whisperings, as they stand with vibrant heart-beats and folded pinions by our side. Kulu, the great yellow moon, had filled her horns with glory, imparting a witching sense of enchantment to the wave-rocked ocean, and throughout the flowery fields and fruitful forests of Oahu's mountain isle. Diamond Head lay basking like a slumbering monarch in the tawny beam, his brawny chest breast- ing the great breakers like a proud swimmer in a mimic sea. Afar off, in the utmost distance through the skies, shone the gigantic snow- crest on Kea's lordly brow, gleaming like a throne of polished silver high up among the golden stars. * * * In soft tranquility lay the waveless waters of Waikiki Bay. Beyond rose the vast breastwork of coral reefs, encircling the harbor like the ponderous arm of some monster of the deep. Against these reefs roll the long lines of gigantic breakers heaped-up billows of furious waters crested with playful foam, now gleaming like molten gold in the meridian moon. How roars this great surf on such a night of silent sheen and slumbering beauty ! How echoes the whispering palm grove and the wooded valleys to its monstrous tumult, answering back to the sea in the hoarse murmur of ghost- ly voices from out the sylvan shades. Even the far mountains, sombre and silent in the windless air, fling down their surly answer to the bellowing sea ; while such is the concussion of the breakers against the trees that the long, drooping palm leaves are made tremulous and murmurous, quaking as with fear of the muffled thunder of the waters." And this is a cleverly painted little morning effect : "The hour of daybreak in the tropics is one of exquisite charm, so filled with the swiftly changing aspects of light and shadow, in the impulsive leap from darkness to dawn. The land winds freshen at this hour, the first fore- runner of the coming day-god, hastening from the cool forests and the deep dells down the valleys to the sea, laden with newly-awakened perfumes of ripened fruits and bursting flowers. Never had a more delicious aroma pervaded the Nuuanu than upon this peaceful morning of the murderous battle with Keao. The palm trees swayed gracefully in. the breeze. The tall algaroba waved its feathery foliage, so like the long drooping plumage of emerald birds. The great hau-trees tossed their star-colored flowers in the wind and sun, swinging bell-like in mery unison with the jubilant songs of the newly awakened-birds." The book opens with the description of a terrible storm, under cover of which an expidition sets out from Oahu to invade Hawaii, under the leader- ship of Kalani. The intention is the abduction of the princess Pelelulu, the daughter of Kamehameha, the fame of whose beauty has reached the ears of OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. 9 the boy king. The invading party, after a brief but terrible contest, succeeded in seizing and carrying off both the queen and the princess. The latter is in no wise dismayed at her capture, for in all the Eight Isles there is not a maiden who would not rejoice to be the prisoner of the heroic son of Kahekili, the Thunderer. The two are lovers at sight, and on landing, the princess, who has been invested with the name Kupule, is declared the prospective queen of Oahu. As the line of war boats skirts the shore on the return, Kalani points out the home to which he is taking her. " Here first Kupule saw her new Oahu home peering out from among its great king-palms and large bread-fruit trees, far up the beautiful vale of Nuuanu, than which nothing is more charming in all the Hawaiian world. While the evening was approaching, and they were coasting along the un- broken surf, stretching from Leahi (Diamond Head) to the harbor's mouth, Kalani pointed out his seaside palace, seen in the midst of the great cocoanut grove at Waikiki. To the right of the palm trees rose the massive walls of the great heiau, with its temples and towers, and sacrificial places within, where, in the terrible Kapu Kane, thousands of human offerings were sacra- ficed in the service of Pele and Moa-alli. To the left of Waikiki glowed Puawai the Punch Bowl Mountain in the setting sun, looming like a mon- strous storm-billow dropped in unbroken grandeur upon the plain. Where its frowning battlement of jutting rocks and turret peaks of gray lava overlooked the town, was now flung to the breeze a yellow tapa flag, to signal the approach of the king. On sped the fleet with the soft-blowing trades, clinging to the white line of coral-reef, and keeping just without its roaring, floundering breakers, whose crests were now gilded like Oriental domes by the dying day. Here luxuriant Nature seemed to have completed a grateful task of love grouping together in the fair Nuuanu vale her utmost beauties for a kingly home. Here flourished every fruitful tree and prolific vine, and grew the greenest grasses and the rarest flowers, with heaped-up rugged mountains to overlook and over-awe the "completed whole. A wide-mouthed valley, blue-marged by the sea, and blue-rimmed by the distant sky ; narrowing downward from the far skyward hills, where the moun- tain gateway of the dizzy Pali opens above the sea into the sky beyond. Green with the ceaseless perennity of a thousand varying hues, the Nuuanu expands as it descends in easy slopes down to the reef-barred harbor of Hono- lulu. The green lawns of the valley are only seperated by a coral sand-beach from the madreporic sea. Here the youth of adolescent age, whether wahine or kane, may dive in playful pastime for the gaudy shells, the rare-hued corals and the opulent pearls. Crowning a palm-clad knoll upon the east side of the valley, Kalani had already pointed out the vine-covered palace of his sires. About its numerous io OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. outbuildings were fine old bread-fruit trees, with their dark green foliage, looming stately and grand among the more graceful palms, the gnarled pan- dana and the symmetrical Kukui trees. To the east of the place rose the frowning Punch Bowl, a grass-grown crater, brooding over its ancient days of fiery splendor now long gone by. Back of this towers Tantuus, overlooking the Punch Bowl, and densely tree-clad to his top. Beyond all rises grand old Waolani, the nearest approach to Kea and Loa that Oahu can show. Just back of the busy palace knoll uprose a higher hill, sacred to the gods, and tabooed with the utmost rigor for the use of priest and king; its whole rounded crest and sloping sides were clothed with a dense grove of orange trees, ever, as now, presenting a countless abundance of blossoms and fruit the whole year round." Aroused by the success of the expedition and the reported death of the Ha- waiian king, a second and immediate invasion is determined upon. This takes place, and, by the help of Pele, the Hawaiians are utterly defeated and dis- persed. Kalani is hurriedly called home, however, bv the news that his fierce uncle, old Keao of Kauai, is raising an army for the subjugation of Oahu during the absence of its king. The marriage of Kalani with the princess takes place while the preparations for the defence are going on. A day or two is given up to rejoicings, and the warriors depart to meet the invaders. During their absence the young queen employs her time in wandering among the groves which surround her new home, or in visiting the sacred or tabu places near the palace. Some days she rows about the harbor or along the curiously indented shores of the island. At one time she drifts into the haunts of the ferocious water-god, Moa-alii, a gigantic octopus to which human beings are thrown as sacrifices, and at another time she discovers the retreat of the queen of the sea faries, Oluolu, and secures her friendship. In this part of the story the author has taken the opportunity to bring out some of the pecu- liar superstitions of the islanders regarding their deities and the good and evil spirits by which they imagine they are constantly surrounded. In one of these chapters occurs the description of the famous Pearl Garden, the rarest spot of coralline sea known in the Pacific. We quote from page 221 : " Between the jutting forks of two of these shoalest sandy reaches, leading deviously away toward the shore, there grew a stately pinna-coral tree ; large as a pandana, and crimson as the gaudiest sunset of their clime. So red and diffusive in color was this great sea-shrub, that it cast a soft vermilion glow over the white coral about it ; even imparting a faint crimson tint to the far down bottom of white sand in the reaches like a pink carpeting of apple blossoms wind-strewn from their tree. Partly sheltered behind this stately crimson tree, waved the delicate mauve- colored foliage of a graceful fan-coral ; its broad and beautiful leaves fancifully perforated like the magic fretwork of some fairy temple. Some of the long fronds were so thin and elastic that they swayed gracefully in the current, like the bending swale in a meadow stream. Upon these broad, mauve-colored OPINIONS OF I'hE PRESS. u leaves could be traced many a quaint design, delicate as lacework, as if woven by the consummate art of a cunning hand. Growing about everywhere upon the coral shrubs and porous rocks clung the great pearl oysters, wherein nestle those princely gems which captivate the world. In the more open spots, where the eye could pierce through the coral foliage to the bottom, could be seen numerous rare shells creeping merrily about, as if at play with the broken sun-beams. Here breed those delicate Pinna Pearls, or crimson ' wing-shells,' divine conceptions of the wondrous aeons of the deep, which produce the exquisite pink pearls and the lustrous red nacre so rarely seen out of the Orient, being too priceless for the general mart. * * * Like gorgeous birds among the tree-tops of a tropical forest hovered the innumerable colored fishes every- where. Flitting in and out among the coral branches and the drooping leaves, they flashed their various hues like butterflies among flowers. Occasionally these rainbow-colored fishes would be seen shooting suddenly upward in a cloud from among their coral covert, darting above the foliage with many a furtive look behind, as if they had been driven away by some common impulse of fear like a flock of startled lories in the palm grove so intimidated by the sinister movement of some vindicative sea god. But when all became quiet again, hundreds of these red parrot-bills would be seen feeding from off the snowy foliage of the stately corals, seeming verily like the crimson blossoms of fresh-blown flowers tipped with their enchanting pink corolla which serve to transform the clear turquoise sea into scenes of Oriental splendor." During this time Kamehameha has been collecting a large army, and aided by white men who have entered his service, sails with a mighty fleet against Oahu. The closing chapters contain a vivid description of the bloody struggle, which ends with the annihilation of the Oahuan army and the death of Kalani. It is a strange, bewildering story, and in subject and execution is unique in literature. The author's style is luxuriant, and well befits the scenes he describes. His pages abound in glowing description and tropical imagery, and the various characters are painted in strong and effective colors. No one who reads the book will forget it, and it is not too much to say that a more dis- tinct and definite idea of the ancient people of Hawaii, their customs and characteristics, and of the country itself, may be had from its perusal than from any so-called historical narrative yet published. Critics may complain that the author at times departs so widely from the conventional rules which limit literary composition, but it is that very freedom of treatment which gives the book its peculiar value.